A Jackson man has been accused in a federal criminal complaint of instructing children to cut themselves and send him pornographic photos, according to court records.

FBI agents filed the complaint against John Richard Ess in federal court in Detroit in August. The complaint was unsealed this month.

In it, authorities seek to charge the 43-year-old with the sexual exploitation of children, the receipt and possession of child pornography, and the coercion and enticement of minors.

If convicted, he faces 15-30 years in prison for the sexual exploitation of children charge, 5-20 years for the receipt and possession of child pornography, and up to 20 years for the coercion and enticement of minors.

Ess made an initial appearance in federal court last Wednesday and was ordered temporarily d

See Full Page