Grand Rapids, MI – A former West Michigan orthodontist will spend the next six decades behind bars after being sentenced in federal court for sexually exploiting children online.
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According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan, 44-year-old Thomas Shannon, previously of Byron Center and formerly practicing in Grandville, was sentenced to 60 years in prison on Monday for sexual exploitation of minors.
U.S. Attorney VerHey said he was not surprised at the sentence imposed. “Shannon’s selfish and senseless exploitation of these children has exposed them to a lifetime of emotional damage. I sincerely hope they can overcome it. But preying on our children must stop, and we will seek long sentences against people like Shannon until it does stop.”
Federal prosecutors say Shannon targeted at least 18 children between 2019 and 2024. The victims ranged in age from 12 to 17 years old.
The case began when a 16-year-old in North Carolina reported she had been exploited through Snapchat. Investigators traced the account back to Shannon. A review of his Snapchat activity uncovered at least 16 additional minor victims, including a 12-year-old child. Another victim later came forward.
Authorities say Shannon continued communicating with a minor through a separate online app while he was already on bond for state child pornography charges. Prosecutors also confirmed he committed part of the exploitation from his yacht in Ottawa County. The vessel was forfeited as part of the case.
“Protecting children from exploitation is at the heart of Homeland Security Investigations’ mission,” said HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “This offender preyed on vulnerable children, but through extensive collaboration between HSI and our law enforcement partners, we were able to identify victims and ensure the defendant was held accountable. We hope this sentence delivers some measure of justice to his victims. We relentlessly investigate these crimes and tirelessly pursue those who exploit children.”
The investigation involved Homeland Security Investigations, the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, the Fuquay-Varina Police Department, and the Prince George’s County Police Department.
The prosecution was brought under Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat online child exploitation.
Shannon’s 60-year sentence effectively ensures he will spend the majority of his life in federal prison.
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