COLUMBUS, Ohio — James A. Sabolick, 58, of Lower Salem, Ohio, has been sentenced to 300 months in federal prison for charges related to exploiting minor victims both domestically and abroad, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker on Tuesday.
Sabolick’s sentencing follows his guilty plea earlier this year to charges including sexually exploiting a minor and possessing child pornography. The case, which involved disturbing details of abuse and exploitation, unfolded after a July 2021 traffic stop in Marietta, where police discovered Sabolick attempting to conceal a minor female in his vehicle.
Further investigation by the Southeastern Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force revealed that Sabolick had transported the minor from West Virginia to a cabin near his Washington County residence. There, he engaged in numerous illicit acts that included severe abuse such as needle pokes, burns, restraints, strangulation, and urination. Evidence collected from Sabolick’s hunting cabin and vehicle, including items like pantyhose and lubricant.
Court documents also revealed Sabolick’s involvement with Filipino women whom he supported financially in exchange for explicit images of their minor children. Forensic analysis of Sabolick’s electronic devices and social media accounts corroborated his communication with these women, documenting transactions exceeding $1,000 sent to the Philippines alongside requests for child sexual abuse material.
