A Pine City man is facing numerous charges relating to the possession and sharing of child pornography.
According to the criminal complaint, the case stems from an investigation into the possession of child pornography by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) that started in October.
The investigation looked to identify an individual tied to an email and IP address located in Pine County. Three files of concern were reportedly updated by the user on July 21, 2023, to the messaging app Kik. The owner of the account was later identified as Ryan Victor Ovick.
The complaint stated that a search of a messaging app by investigators located several video files of female prepubescent children conducting sex acts, some including other men. These videos were allegedly received and shared by Ovick with dozens, and sometimes hundreds, of other accounts.
Investigators found additional images and videos that are still being reviewed to identify issues of concern.
Images taken by Ovick of himself in various states of undress were also found on the account. They included pictures of tattoos that were confirmed to be on Ovick's body.
On Thursday, November 16, Ovick was taken into custody following a traffic stop. His phone, computer, tablet, and a hard drive from his house were seized for further investigation. A Kik account that investigators say had contained the pornographic videos was located on Ovick's phone.
The complaint stated that Ovick sent messages from the Pine County Detention Center where he wrote, "I have a problem with porn" and "I brought shame to the family and church."
Ryan Ovick has been charged with five counts of felony possession of child pornography and five counts of disseminating pornographic work involving a minor under 14.
Shouldn’t there be hundreds of other arrests?? For his fellow perverts that he shared with?
There is a difference between having a problem with porn, and being a sicko who is into children!