Norwalk man facing 12 child porn charges

NORWALK — Grand jurors recently indicted a Norwalk man accused of allegedly possessing and downloading child pornography. On March 20, Huron County grand jurors indicted Phoenix T. Hickey, 19, of the fifth block of W. League St., on the following charges: • Five counts of pandering sexually-oriented matter involving a minor or impaired person, both second and fourth–degree felonies • Four counts of pandering obscenity involving a minor or impaired person, both second and fourth–degree felonies • Three counts of illegal use of a minor or impaired person in nudity-oriented material or performance, each a fifth-degree felony According to Hickey's indictment, the alleged crimes occurred on or about between Sept. 14, 2024, and Feb. 18, 2026, when he reportedly possessed or downloaded "material that shows a minor participating or engaging in sexual activity." Charging documents from the Norwalk Municipal Court indicated that the investigation into Hickey began in early October 2024 after Norwalk police received a tip from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force regarding child pornography. Due to this tip, authorities executed multiple search warrants and reportedly found that Hickey possessed and distributed child pornography between Oct. 1-8, 2024, according to the charging documents. Following his indictment, Hickey was issued a summons and has an upcoming court hearing scheduled for 1 p.m. on April 7.