Ohio meteorologist facing child pornography charges

CINCINNATI – An Ohio meteorologist has been arrested and faces child pornography charges, according to the Franklin County (Ohio) Sheriff's Office.

Mike Davis, 60, is a meteorologist at WBNS-TV in Columbus. He was arrested Thursday and charged with pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor, jail records state. 

His profile on the WBNS website said he has been "keeping central Ohio families safe from hazardous weather since 1987."

Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin said Davis sent and received a "significant" number of images of child pornography, according to a live stream of a news conference posted by WCMH-TV in Columbus.  

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In the news conference, Baldwin said the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received a tip about Davis two weeks ago. 

This week, search warrants were executed at his home as well as the studio where he worked. Deputies said Davis and the news station were cooperative during the searches. 

Chief Deputy Rick Minerd said he can't say how long Davis' activity has been going on. 

"These are sensitive cases. Obviously, when we see someone of this stature in the community who is as well known as Mike is, we treat these cases carefully," Minerd said. 

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As the investigation continues, there could potentially be more charges deputies said. 

"These are kids that are clearly being exploited for someone's sexual appetite," Minerd said. 

The Columbus Dispatch reported that WBNS General Manager John Cardenas said they were aware of the arrest and would be "learning more about the details and will be reporting on the story.”

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