A 60-year-old Galion man was arrested Wednesday, Feb. 25, after deputies with the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at a Fairview Avenue residence as part of a child pornography investigation.
Michael Paul Taylor was taken into custody at approximately 4:53 p.m. at a residence in the 1300 block of Fairview Avenue. He is charged with pandering obscenity involving a minor and is being held at the Crawford County Justice Center. Additional charges are under review.
Police Seize Electronic Devices
According to the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, deputies executed a search warrant at Taylor’s residence, where he was identified as the target of the investigation.
During the search, investigators seized multiple electronic devices. Authorities confirmed that child pornography was located on the devices recovered.
Taylor was transported to the Crawford County Justice Center following his arrest.
The case has been referred to the Crawford County Prosecutor’s Office for review of potential additional charges.
The investigation was led by Sheriff Scott Kent, Lt. Craig Moser, and Detective Winkelman.
Second Arrest in Crawford County This Year
This is the second child pornography-related arrest announced by the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office in 2026.
On Jan. 29, deputies executed a search warrant at a residence on Holmes Center Road in Bucyrus and arrested a 52-year-old man on similar charges after electronic devices seized in that case also contained child pornography, according to sheriff’s office records.
The Crawford County Sheriff’s Office has not issued public safety advisories beyond the arrest.
Officials said the investigation remains active.
Sheriff Calls for Public Cooperation
Sheriff Scott Kent encouraged the public to report suspected child exploitation activity.
The sheriff’s office confirmed in an official statement that evidence recovered during the search warrant execution has been forwarded to the prosecutor’s office for review.
Authorities did not release additional details regarding the scope or timeline of the investigation.
Not Yet Known
Authorities have not confirmed:
Whether additional charges will be filed
Taylor’s bond or bail status
A court appearance date
Whether other suspects or locations are under investigation
Public Assistance
Anyone with information related to suspected child exploitation is encouraged to contact the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office at 419-562-7906 or submit an anonymous tip through the department’s official app.
Reports involving online child exploitation may also be made to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).
Sources
- Crawford County Sheriff’s Office — Official statement, Feb. 25–26, 2026
- Richland Source — Feb. 26, 2026
- Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum / Bluewater Healthy Living — Feb. 26, 2026
- Crawford County Sheriff’s Office — Prior arrest announcement, Jan. 29, 2026
Disclaimer: This article is based on information released by the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, court records, and verified local reporting at the time of publication. Details may change as the investigation and legal proceedings continue.