DETROIT — Federal prosecutors have charged three Metro Detroit professionals — a therapist, an attorney, and a medical doctor — in a sweeping child exploitation investigation that uncovered graphic online conversations, alleged admissions of abuse, and the sharing of child sexual abuse material.
According to court filings, the investigation grew out of a separate Federal Bureau of Investigation case in Ohio, where a Toledo-area man was arrested after allegedly attempting to sexually abuse children he believed were real. During that probe, agents discovered extensive chat logs connecting the suspect to men in Michigan.
The messages allegedly included discussions about sexually abusing children as young as four.
Therapist Allegedly Received Child Abuse Videos
Investigators say Jeremy Brian Tacon, a Huntington Woods resident and licensed psychotherapist, exchanged messages with the Toledo suspect that referenced sexual interest in children and requests for illicit material.
Federal affidavits allege Tacon received multiple videos containing child sexual abuse material through encrypted messaging platforms. When agents executed a search warrant at his home in November, they confirmed the phone linked to the chats belonged to him.
Tacon had worked as an independent contractor at Arbor Wellness Center. The clinic said it severed ties with him immediately and stated there was no indication clients were involved or affected.
Detroit Attorney Linked to Multiple Devices and Images
Another individual identified in the chats is Joshua Ronnebaum, a Detroit-based attorney who practiced environmental and immigration law and served on a neighborhood association board.
Court documents allege Ronnebaum discussed drug use, sexual activity, and viewing child sexual abuse material with the Toledo suspect over more than a year. During a November search of his residence, agents reportedly seized 38 electronic storage devices.
One phone was allegedly found active and displaying a prompt asking whether to delete the encrypted messaging app Telegram. Investigators believe this was an attempt to erase evidence during the search.
A second device allegedly contained more than 150 images meeting the federal definition of child pornography, including images involving infants and toddlers.
Authorities also say Ronnebaum described past sexual abuse of minors while living abroad — claims that are now part of the federal case.
Doctor Allegedly Discussed Abuse and Fantasies in Chats
A third suspect, Lincoln Erickson of Farmington Hills, was identified through conversations found on Ronnebaum’s devices.
Erickson, a physical rehabilitation physician and Wayne State University graduate, previously worked at the Detroit Medical Center’s Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan. The hospital confirmed he has been terminated.
Federal filings allege Erickson and Ronnebaum discussed traveling overseas to sexually abuse children and exchanged messages celebrating pedophilia. In one alleged exchange, Erickson described a fantasy involving grooming and abusing a child over many years.
Investigators also allege Erickson claimed to know a father who allowed him to sexually abuse a young child — a statement now under federal scrutiny.
Erickson was arrested at a Detroit hospital where he was serving as a medical resident. Authorities say he admitted to receiving child sexual abuse material he believed to be AI-generated. Searches of his phone allegedly uncovered additional Telegram chats requesting explicit videos.
Court records show Erickson was already on probation stemming from a 2024 domestic violence conviction at the time of his arrest.
Federal Charges and Court Appearances
All three men — Tacon, Ronnebaum, and Erickson — are charged federally with offenses related to possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material. Ronnebaum and Erickson were scheduled to appear in federal court on December 16.
Reporting Abuse and Protecting Children
Federal authorities urge parents, caregivers, and educators to remain vigilant about both online and offline threats to children.
Suspected online child exploitation can be reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children CyberTipline at 1-800-843-5678, which works in coordination with federal and state law enforcement agencies.
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