Saginaw Man Sentenced to Federal Prison For Sexually Exploiting Minors

BAY CITY - Eric Hartman, 34, of Saginaw was sentenced to 19½ years in federal prison for sexually exploiting children, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced today.

Ison was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Detroit Field Office.

United States District Court Judge Thomas L. Ludington imposed sentence on Hartman, on June 27, 2024, following his guilty plea to sexual exploitation and attempted sexual exploitation of a minor. Judge Ludington also sentenced Hartman to five years of federal supervised release following his release from incarceration.

Hartman's crimes became known in 2023 when a 13-year-old reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation that Hartman was threatening her and forcing her to send sexually explicit images and videos to him online. Law enforcement traced Hartman to Saginaw, and the FBI executed a search warrant at Hartman's residence where they recovered multiple electronic devices. The FBI analyzed the devices and found numerous online conversations between Hartman and minors where Hartman requested the minors send him sexually explicit videos. They also found numerous images and videos of other child sexually abusive material.

"This case came to light through the bravery of a young victim who came forward to bring her predator to justice. This sentence justly punishes the defendant for preying on children and hopefully will encourage others to seek help from trusted adults and law enforcement if they are being coerced into sending explicit images online," U.S. Attorney Ison said.

"Mr. Hartman is a glaring example of the manipulative nature of sexual predators, underscoring the relentless efforts of the FBI to apprehend these criminals and safeguard our children," said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. "His actions were despicable, and those who perpetrate such crimes will face justice. The FBI urges anyone with knowledge of child sexual exploitation to report it at tips.fbi.gov or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI."

This case was investigated by the FBI. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katharine Hemann.