Man pleads guilty in child porn case

An Arcanum man pleaded guilty Wednesday in a Miami County court to 10 felony charges of pandering obscen- ity involving a minor and pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor.

David J. Kessler, 57, was indicted in the fall on five counts each of the felony offenses.

Kessler is accused of creating, reproducing or pub- lishing obscene material that has a minor as a participant or portrayed observer and soliciting, receiving, purchasing, possessing or controlling any material that shows a minor participating or engag- ing in sexual activity. The indictments allege the illegal activity happened in Miami County between July 2016 and August.

The case involved the use of a website and videos that are “reprehensible,” Paul Watkins, first assistant Miami County prosecutor, told Judge Stacy Wall during Kessler’s arraignment in Common Pleas Court in November.

Kessler pleaded guilty as charged to all 10 counts as of a plea deal, Janna Parker, an assistant county prosecutor, said. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to remain silent at sentencing.

Wall said Kessler could receive up to 67 years and six in prison at sentencing, which was sched- uled for May 3.

He will be classified as a Tier II sex offender requir- ing registration every 180 days for 25 years following release from any prison sentence. Wall ordered a presen- tence investigation.

Kessler posted bail of $50,000 cash or surety following arraignment. Wall continued the bond told Kessler he would not be able to travel out of state for business and to see family while the case is pending. The travel had been allowed earlier by the judge, according to court records. “Due to the nature of the offenses, I can’t allow you to travel,” Wall said.