Midwest Communications “Froggy 99.9” KVOX-FM Fargo, ND Brand Manager and afternoon host Benjamin ‘Ben Merritt’ Chartier has been arrested and faces a charge of possessing child pornography.
According to KVRR TV Chartier, 40, was apprehended following an investigation that revealed he had been posting videos depicting children involved in sexual acts with other minors, as well as instances of sexual abuse perpetrated by adults.
The North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation initiated an inquiry following the receipt of information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
The uploaded files included children between 3- and 16-years-old sexually abusing each other.
At least one video showed an adult sexually abusing a 3-year-old girl.
Investigators also found messaging from Chartier to others about a sexual attraction to children.
He is being held in the Cass County jail.
All mentions of Merritt have been removed from the KVOX-FM website, and a report released by the company’s KFGO did not acknowledge his affiliation with the organization.
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