A Gallipolis, Ohio, man was sentenced on May 15 to 25 years in prison for the production of child pornography, according to an announcement by federal authorities. Henry Ritscher, age 44, received the sentence from Chief U.S. District Judge David Bunning after pleading guilty.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement and prosecutors to address crimes involving the exploitation of children. The sentencing comes as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse.
According to his plea agreement, Ritscher produced child pornography on September 6, 2025 in Johnson County. The victim discovered a video depicting her showering and changing clothes that appeared to have been recorded covertly in Ritscher’s bathroom. Law enforcement executed a search warrant that day and found several electronic devices including a covert camera hidden inside a cell phone charging block used for making the video. Ritscher admitted to law enforcement that he had secretly recorded the victim and used the videos for his own sexual gratification.
Jason Parman, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; and Olivia Olson, Special Agent in Charge with the FBI Louisville Field Office jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the FBI while Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Blankenship prosecuted the case.
This prosecution falls under Project Safe Childhood which was launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to marshal federal, state and local resources against online child exploitation offenders as well as identify victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky enforces federal laws and maintains community safety through prosecutions and partnerships with other agencies; it also addresses issues such as elder abuse prevention and drug education initiatives according to its official website.
