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Salem man arrested for child porn, other charges

SALEM — An ongoing investigation by the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force and Columbiana County prosecutor’s office relating to child pornography and sexual conduct with minors resulted in a search warrant being executed Monday at 205 S. Howard Ave.

Members of the human trafficking task force were assisted by the Columbiana County Drug Task Force, Salem Police Department and Perry Township Police Department, along with the prosecutor’s office.

According to a press release, on June 1, agents from the human trafficking task force arrested Anthony Smith, 23, of South Howard Avenue, for attempted sexual conduct with a minor, importuning, disseminating matter harmful to a juvenile and possession of criminal tools after it was learned Smith was allegedly soliciting underage females for sexual activity.

Agents then learned that Smith was allegedly in possession of child pornography in addition to having sexual relations with minor children.

After obtaining assistance from the prosecutor’s office, the search warrant was obtained and evidence relating to the investigation was seized. Smith was also charged with illegal use of a minor in nudity oriented material and is currently being held in the Columbiana County jail on a $200,000 bond, with a preliminary hearing set for today.

Additional charges are pending from the investigation by the task force and Perry Township Police.

According to court records, Smith also has a charge of drug paraphernalia pending. He had already made an initial appearance in Columbiana County Municipal Court for arraignment.

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