In early February, Port Clinton police were notified about a box of books that were purchased at a local auction house, contained photos depicting child pornography.
Port Clinton Detective Corbin Carpenter explains, "When the call came in the first time that someone had found these in a box at an auction house, first thought is, they could have come from anywhere."
Since that time, the investigation has made progress.
"We were actually able to identify some of the victim[s] in the photos and establish that some of the photos were taken here within the City of Port Clinton," says Carpenter.
Police then worked backwards from the auction, finding the last location of the pictures, which were originally thought to be taken in the 1970's or 80's.
According to a report filed, the abuse, which happened continually over a six year period are so recent, that the female victim is still a minor.
"My whole goal at the onset of this investigation was to try to minimize any further trauma to the victim," says Detective Carpenter.
They were able to trace the items back to 38-year-old Fred Harder. Charges have not yet been filed, but officials have concluded their investigation.
Carpenter explains, "My report has been completed, and its been forwarded to the prosecutors office."
WNWO spoke with the prosecutor, and when it comes to the likelihood that Harder is the person in the photos, he says he is, "virtually certain."
The reason charges have not been filed is because Harder is already in jail.
According to public record from a previous, related case, he was arrested back in November 2012, and has been charged with 73 counts of rape and sexual battery. He's now awaiting trial after entering a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. He has also requested a psychiatric evaluation.
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