A Washington Township volunteer assistant fire chief has been suspended following his arrest in a federal investigation involving allegations of child sexual abuse material.
Federal authorities arrested 58-year-old Donald P. Morrow of Homeworth on May 28 while executing search warrants at his residence and business, Morrow’s Services Inc., according to court records filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.
The investigation began after FBI agents in Canton received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding a cloud storage account allegedly linked to Morrow. Investigators said the account was being used to store and share suspected child sexual abuse material.
According to a criminal complaint, agents conducting a search of Morrow’s home discovered external hard drives containing hundreds of files of suspected child pornography. Court documents allege at least one file involved a toddler.
Federal investigators also allege Morrow admitted he had viewed child pornography for years and had downloaded and, at times, paid for access to such material.
Washington Township officials moved to suspend Morrow from his position with the township’s volunteer fire department while the investigation proceeds. Morrow has been affiliated with the department for more than two decades, according to court documents.
The complaint further states Morrow likely had numerous interactions with minors during his years of service. Court records also indicate he was associated with the Fire Academy at Stark State College.
Morrow remains jailed in Mahoning County without bond.
He is facing three federal charges:
- Receiving and distributing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct;
- Possession of child pornography; and
- Transportation of child pornography.
A federal judge has ordered a detention hearing to determine whether Morrow will remain in custody pending trial.
The case is expected to be presented to a federal grand jury for possible indictment. Federal charges contained in a criminal complaint are allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
