A Wadsworth man was arrested after detectives found evidence that he was in a sexual relationship with a juvenile and video recorded himself having sex with the underage girl.
Joshua D. Howard, 20, of the 38800 block of Chicago Avenue in Wadsworth, was charged with felony manufacturing child pornography and misdemeanor criminal sexual abuse.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said that they received information in November that Howard was in a sexual relationship with an underage girl. Authorities said they are not releasing the age of the victim.
“Detectives conducted an extensive investigation and evidence recovered during their investigation indicates not only did Howard have the sexual relationship with the juvenile, he video/audio recorded being engaged in sexual acts with the juvenile,” Lake County Sheriff Sgt. Christopher Covelli said.
Detectives conducted a search warrant at Howard’s home on Friday. They seized a computer and cellular electronics from the residence and arrested Howard.
Howard remains held in the Lake County Jail on a $750,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court again on January 16. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information about Howard is asked to call Lake County Sheriff detectives at 847-377-4245.