Inver Grove Heights Man Charged with Producing Child Sexual Abuse Material
INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA – Samuel Eric Snell, 45, also known by the aliases "Storm Blackwood" and "Candy Man Sam MN," faces multiple charges related to the production of child sexual abuse material and coercing minors into unlawful sexual conduct, according to United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
Court documents reveal that Snell was active in an online community on the gaming platform Discord, where he allegedly facilitated the selling of "services" by underage girls, referred to as "kittens," who engaged in online companionship with adult customers, called "masters," often in exchange for money or gifts facilitated through platforms like CashApp. Among the various Discord channels linked to these activities were "Fun Time Kitty Klub," "Pretty Kitty Hangout," "Safe Kitten Konnection," and "Kitten Server Name." Investigators obtained direct messages from Snell’s Discord account that indicate he actively solicited explicit images from individuals who identified themselves as minors and expressed struggles with issues related to gender identity, sexuality, and mental health.
The messages allegedly follow a pattern in which Snell would request images from victims, beginning with a picture of their inner thigh and escalating to requests for images of their pubic region. Numerous instances reflect that Snell solicited and received sexually explicit images from minor victims as part of a scheme to groom them for the production of child sexual abuse material.
Additionally, he reportedly sent electronic sex toys to his minor victims, which he could control remotely, furthering his solicitation for explicit depictions of them using these devices. In troubling revelations, there are at least two recorded incidents where Snell took a minor to a hotel, paid them $100 for sexual intercourse, and afterward provided emergency contraception.
The investigation continues as authorities work to ensure the safety of vulnerable minors involved.
Investigators are seeking potential additional victims in connection with this ongoing case. Parents or guardians of minors who may have had contact with Samuel Eric Snell are urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or via tips.fbi.gov.
Samuel Eric Snell has been indicted on six counts of production of child pornography and two counts of coercion of a minor to engage in prostitution. He made his initial court appearance in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge Dulce J. Foster. A detention hearing is set for December 17, 2024.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative established by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to tackle the increasing issue of child sexual exploitation and abuse. The project combines the efforts of federal, state, and local organizations to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who exploit children online while also working to identify and rescue victims.
The FBI is leading the investigation with assistance from the Inver Grove Heights and Woodbury Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily A. Polachek will be handling the prosecution of this case. It's important to note that an indictment is a formal accusation, and the defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Written by: Will Wight
