According to court documents and statements made in court, Somersall befriended a Florida man, 76-year-old John Balch, who requested photos and videos of a minor in exchange for money and gifts.
Somersall sent sexual photographs and videos of the minor. One of the videos included a second victim. Somersall later agreed to drive the teen to a hotel in Maryland for sexual contact with Balch for money on multiple occasions.
Investigators found at least 60 cash transactions between Balch and Somersall over a period of two years totaling $13,725.
Balch was indicted in the District of Maryland and pled guilty to related charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberley Crockett prosecuted the case on behalf of the government, The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated, the U.S. Attorney’s Office District of Maryland assisted, U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
