MIDDLETOWN, Ohio —

A Middletown man has been sentenced to 26 years in prison after investigators said he coerced children into sending nude photos and videos.

William Scott Elam, 53, pleaded guilty to 10 counts of coercion and enticement and one count of sexual exploitation of children. Advertisement

According to court documents, Elam began online relationships with girls in seven states and pretended to be a 14-year-old boy.

The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio said the girls were between 10 and 16. Elam met them using various online chatting apps.

In one case, federal investigators said Elam forced one victim into complying by threatening to harm himself if she did not do as he asked.

“There are real-life consequences to actions taken online,” said U.S. Attorney Dom

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