Huron County indicts man for child pornography

NORWALK — A Huron County grand jury issued a 30-count child pornography indictment against a Norwalk man. David A. Smith, 64, 100 block Southgate Drive, was indicted for 10 counts each of second-degree felony pandering obscenity, illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material and fourth-degree felony pandering obscenity. The indictment covers illegal activity Smith allegedly engaged in from Dec. 21 to Jan. 26. The case against Smith was originally filed in Norwalk Municipal Court on Jan. 27. Because Smith was employed at Norwalk's wastewater treatment plant, the complaint was forwarded to the Huron County Sheriff's Office which conducted the investigation. A tip was received from the Internet Crimes Against Children organization, according to Lt. Bill Duncan from the sheriff's office. As a result of the investigation, the sheriff's office executed a search warrant at Smith's home and seized electronic devices. These devices contained child pornography, according to Duncan. Smith was arrested and arraigned in February. His case was then bound over to the grand jury. Smith resigned from his position at the treatment plant in February according to a plant employee. Smith's attorney, Kenneth Bailey, said the indictment is poorly written and is, "full of redundancies and indistinguishable counts." "It deprives the accused of due process — of even knowing that with which he's been accused," Bailey said. Smith's next court appearance is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Aug. 23. Other indictments: • Zachary P. Corbin, 18, 2300 block Snyder Road, Willard, two counts of improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle. • Richard G.H. Swartz, 42, 500 block Milan Ave. (U.S. 250), Norwalk, improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle, two counts of having weapons while under disability. • Floyd E. Sines, 56, 2500 block Zenobia Road, Norwalk, grand theft. • Javoni A. McCray, 24, no address listed, aggravated burglary, burglary, domestic violence, criminal damaging, two counts of OVI. • Timothy W. Matthews, Jr., 27, 7500 block Milan Road (U.S. 250), Sandusky, aggravated possession of drugs, possession of fentanyl. • Willard Manuel, Jr., 27, 400 block U.S. 224, Willard, tampering with evidence, possessing criminal tools. • Robert A. Nelson, 41, 9300 block Mason Road, Berlin Heights, attempt, obstructing, two counts of harassment with bodily fluid • Philip R. Bertram, 38, first block Adams St., Norwalk, trafficking in fentanyl. • Denver L. Ingram, Jr., 46, 800 block N. Fifth St., Fremont, three counts of harassment with a bodily substance, three counts of assault, obstructing. • Donald E. Howell, 52, 100 block S. Main St., Willard, menacing by stalking. • Alan A. Osborn, 34, 500 block N. Sandusky St., Bellevue, possession of drugs, possession of fentanyl, two counts of aggravated possession of drugs. An indictment is a formal charge and does not denote guilt or innocence.