COLUMBUS, Ohio — A convicted sex offender has pleaded guilty to federal child pornography charges after authorities found thousands of explicit images and videos of child sexual abuse in his possession.
Joshua Bock, 32, of Columbus, admitted in federal court to distributing and possessing child pornography and now faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to 40 years in prison for distribution, plus 10 to 20 years for possession.
Investigation Uncovered Disturbing Behavior Near School Bus Stop
Authorities launched an investigation in September 2024 after multiple reports from residents in Obetz, Ohio, that Bock was seen fully nude and masturbating inside his home while children exited a school bus near Hamilton Local Schools.
Following his initial arrest on public indecency charges, law enforcement obtained a warrant to search Bock’s electronic devices.
Massive Child Exploitation Collection Discovered
During the search, investigators seized:
– Over 3,500 images and videos of child sexual abuse, many depicting severe exploitation.
– Material including bondage images of young female victims ranging from toddlers to teenagers.
– Footage of infants being sexually abused by adults.
Bock led officers to what he called a “treasure chest” of child pornography, hidden under the stairs in his home.
Repeat Offender Facing Lengthy Prison Time
Bock was previously convicted of a hands-on sexual offense involving a 9-year-old victim.
Charged federally in September 2024, Bock has remained in custody since his arrest. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled, but federal guidelines mandate:
– 15 to 40 years in prison for distributing child pornography.
– 10 to 20 years for possessing child sexual abuse material.