×

Marietta man gets 6 years on pandering charges

Shaun McFarland and his defense attorney George Cosenza (left) await McFarland’s sentencing Monday for pandering sexually-oriented matter involving a minor. (Photo by Michele Newbanks)

A Marietta man found with child pornography on multiple SD cards was sentenced to six years in prison Monday morning.

Shaun M. McFarland, 42, of 111 Sunset Lane, Marietta, pleaded guilty on June 6 to five charges, including two counts of second-degree felony pandering sexually-oriented matter involving a minor or impaired person, and three counts of fourth-degree felony pandering sexually-oriented matter involving a minor or impaired person.

The indictment stated McFarland was found with 18 SD cards, a cell phone and computer containing the child pornography, all listed as criminal tools.

As part of the plea agreement, five charges of pandering and one of possessing criminal tools were dismissed.

It was noted in the indictment that the dates on the images and videos ranged from January 2018 through May 2021. He was arrested after a tip was investigated by the Marietta Police Department, said Washington County Assistant Prosecutor David Silwani.

In Monday’s sentencing, Silwani, defense attorney George Cosenza and McFarland all declined to make a statement, as it was an agreed disposition.

Washington County Common Pleas Judge Mark Kerenyi said all of the prison time would run concurrently, with McFarland receiving six years in prison each for the two second-degree felony counts, and 18 months each for the three fourth-degree counts.

McFarland will be classified as a Tier 2 sex offender. He will have to verify his address every 90 days for the next 25 years.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today