An Ohio man who used Fortnite to solicit sexual acts from underage boys on Zoom calls has been arrested after an investigation by the FBI.
On February 26, Nicholas A. Ranieri, a 27-year old resident of Minford, Ohio, was taken into custody. His charges include “Pandering Obscenity Involving a Minor,” which is classified as a second degree felony, and “Disseminating Material Harmful to a Juvenile,” a fourth degree felony. This information has been confirmed via a press release from the Scioto County Sheriff’s office.
Image of Nicholas A. Ranieri’s booking photo
David Thoroughman, the She riff of Scioto County, mentioned that his department was notified by the FBI about a situation with sexual implications involving a possible suspect in Minford, Ohio. This particular region falls within the jurisdiction of Scioto County.
Thoroughman indicated Ranieri occupied his time playing Fortnite, engrossing and entertaining him self with younger boys. In these interactions, he would tempt the child with computer games and game assets, in exchange for the minor engaging in explicit online actions via Zoom. Additionally, he would also initiate graphic acts for the youth to witness.
“The announcement from Sheriff Thoroughman revealed that, in collaboration with the Special Victim Unit of the Prosecutor’s office and the FBI, they managed to identify a young victim who lives out of state,” said the record. “A search permit was secured and executed for a dwelling situated on White Gravel Dewey Road in Minford. The inquiry led to the confiscation of several paraphernalia including gaming consoles, computer systems, and mobile phones.”
Ranieri got apprehended on Feb. 26 and based on the latest reports, he continues to be registered as a detainee in Scioto County Jail. Even though the investigation is yet to reach its conclusion, Ranieri remains confined with a bail set at $125,000.
Ranieri got apprehended on Feb. 26 and based on the latest reports, he continues to be registered as a detainee in Scioto County Jail. Even though the investigation is yet to reach its conclusion, Ranieri remains confined with a bail set at $125,000.
