An Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper was charged after admitting to downloading child sexual abuse material.
An Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper was charged after admitting to downloading child sexual abuse material.
In December 2024, the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) reached out to the Heath Police Department with a report of child sexual abuse materials that were uploaded to a Dropbox account on August 9, 2024.
The owner of the account was listed as Anthony Pagan, 23, a trooper who joined the Ohio State Highway Patrol in 2023. After receiving this confirmation, a Heath police detective reviewed the contents of the Dropbox account and discovered "at least one additional material that was believed to be a minor."
On January 30, 2025, Heath Police and ICAC executed a search warrant at Pagan's home in Licking County. Pagan admitted that he used the Dropbox account, had downloaded the materials, and had viewed them. Some of this content included nude images of a prepubescent minor engaging in sexual activity.
Anthony Pagan was charged with pandering sexually oriented material involving a minor. He has since been placed on administrative leave while the criminal investigation is conducted.
During a virtual court appearance, Pagan remained silent. His attorney, Sam Shamanksy, stated that Pagan “does not have a record” and “has dedicated his life to service.”
"The Patrol is aware of the charges against employee Anthony Pagan, which do not reflect the values of the agency," a state patrol spokesperson said in an emailed statement. "Immediate action was taken by placing Mr. Pagan on administrative leave without pay while the criminal investigation is conducted.”
Pagan is currently being held on a $10,000 bond.
Authors: Andy Goldwasser and Alexis Kabat
