Cory Ortman, age 27 of Newark, OH
The Polk County Sheriff Dwaine W. Ladwig announces the arrest of an Ohio man following an investigation into the online sexual exploitation of a minor.
In June 2025, a parent reported discovering sexually explicit messages and photographs sent to their 10-year-old child through a social media account. An initial report was completed and then forwarded to Investigator Brittany McCracken.
The suspect was initially identified only by a username. After several months of investigation by McCracken involving preservation requests for social media accounts, search warrants, subpoenas, and the analysis of electronic evidence, the suspect was identified as Cory Ortman, 27, of Newark, Ohio.
Investigator McCracken coordinated with the Newark Police Department. With assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), additional search warrants were obtained, and Ortman was taken into custody.
Ortman was booked into the Licking County Jail in Case #26CR56 on multiple felony charges related to the sexual exploitation of a minor. His bond has been set at $1,000,000.00 cash surety.
The investigation into Ortman remains ongoing by the FBI, as there may be additional victims.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office thanks the Newark Police Department, Newark Police Department Detective Scott Thomas, and the FBI for their assistance.
Sheriff Ladwig would like to remind parents and guardians to monitor their children’s online activity and report suspicious behavior to law enforcement immediately. It is highly encouraged that parents and guardians also have frequent and regular conversations with their children about online safety.
Sheriff Dwaine W. Ladwig
Polk County Sheriff’s Office
Osceola, Nebraska
