Courts Caught in the Web: Fixing a Failed System with Factors Designed for Sentencing Child Pornography Offenders

This research examines the current failed state of Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) sentencing in Northeast Ohio. The judiciary in Northeast Ohio currently has two primary tools, presentence investigation reports and risk assessments, available to serve as an aid in sentencing offenders. Both tools have failed to aid the judiciary in sentencing ICAC offenders and have led to an alarming disparity. Utilizing the data collected, a new tool was designed that can adequately aid trial courts in traversing the complex world of ICAC cases so that victims and the public can receive the protection and peace of mind that they deserve.¹;¹Judge Sheehan has served on the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court since January 2008. Prior to assuming the bench, Judge Sheehan practiced as a Civil and Criminal litigator for 14 years. He earned his B.A. degree at Baldwin Wallace University and his J.D. degree at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. As a prosecutor in the Major Trial Division of the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office, he was the first chair prosecutor in State v. Goldblatt and State v. Pompa. Additionally, he served as the Chairman of the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, the Chairman of the Legal Committee for the National Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce and instructed law enforcement officials across the country on the investigation and prosecution of internet crimes.