Feds seeking victims in Boy Scout child porn case in Sandusky, Wakeman

SANDUSKY — Federal authorities want Sandusky-area residents who suspect a Boy Scout leader of secretly recording their children to come forward.The U.S. Attorney's office is prosecuting Thomas Close, 40, of Shelby, allegedly took videos of boys undressing before or after swimming at the Sandusky YMCA on West Perkins Avenue, the Firelands Scout Reservation in Wakeman and inside Close's home.Close, known as "Aqua Joe" for his work with the Scouts' swim program, faces charges of possessing child pornography and sexually exploiting children.The alleged crimes occurred between 2011 and 2018, according to court records. A Boy Scout official previously told the Register they cut ties with Close after learning of the allegations, and said they were "disturbed" by the charges. The Sandusky YMCA closed in 2018 amid financial struggles and declining membership. The U.S. Attorney's office asked anyone who thinks they might be a victim to contact them."If anyone suspects they or their children were recorded by the defendant, they are asked to email their contact information," according to a news release from the office.The U.S. Attorney's Office said people should email HSI-CLOSE-Investigation@ice.dhs.gov. Included in the email should be a photo of the suspected child victim, preferably taken between 2011 and 2018.A member of the team investigating the case will then reply back to residents' emails, the release states.Close has been jailed since his arrest in November 2018. According to his federal court docket, Close has a pretrial hearing set for Aug. 21.Reach reporter Brandon Addeo at brandonaddeo@sanduskyregister.com, follow him on Twitter @BrandonAddeo and follow the Register at Facebook.com/SanduskyRegisterThe former Sandusky Area YMCA on West Perkins Avenue was one location that Thomas Close, 40, allegedly recorded images of boys undressing.