Hamilton County Man Faces Multiple Child Pornography Charges; Bond Set at $1.9 Million
A 50-year-old Hamilton County man has been charged with multiple counts of child pornography, with authorities describing the materials found in his possession as some of the most disturbing they have encountered.
Robert Shepard of Cleves was arrested after the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant following a cybertip, according to local news partner WCPO-9 TV. Investigators discovered videos and photographs depicting sexually explicit conduct involving children, including newborns and infants, which the lead prosecutor described as “the worst that I’ve encountered.”
Authorities have indicated that Shepard may have acted on these urges. The prosecutor also noted that two separate local investigations involve victims who have come forward since his arrest.
Shepard was initially granted a $350,000 bond, which a Hamilton County judge later increased to $1.9 million, citing the defendant as a “threat to the safety of his community.” Shepard faces one count of illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material and 18 counts of pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor. Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich stated there may be additional victims and urged anyone who recognizes Shepard to contact law enforcement.
Pillich further cautioned parents to carefully review who may have access to their children, noting the possibility that Shepard obtained the content through local contacts. She described Shepard as a “menace to society” and called on the public to remain vigilant.
Authorities continue to investigate the case, and more information regarding potential victims and further charges may be released in the coming weeks.
