GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A former Grandville orthodontist who convinced 18 girls to share sexually explicit photos and videos online pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a minor.

Thomas Shannon, 44, on Thursday, Oct. 23, admitted that he used Snapchat to contact 18 girls and solicit photos and videos.

Federal prosecutors documented his communications - from 2019 to 2022 - in a plea agreement that Shannon signed.

He pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation, and attempted sexual exploitation, of a minor, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ray Kent in Grand Rapids.

The charge carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 15 years, with a maximum of 30.

U.S. District Judge Paul Maloney in Kalamazoo will determine if the sentences will be served concurrently or consecutively.

Shannon was identified

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