State lawmaker calls for investigation after Sagamore Hills police detective tipped off child pornography suspect

SAGAMORE HILLS, Ohio (WOIO) – New developments in a story 19 Investigate first reported in October involving a Sagamore Hills police detective who allegedly tipped off a child pornography suspect before searching his home.

Now, an Ohio lawmaker is calling for an investigation into how this happened.

“I’m shocked, but I’m also frustrated,” said Rep. Bill Roemer (R).

State House Representative Bill Roemer says a constituent sent him a text message with a link to the 19 Investigates report that aired on Oct. 14.

Roemer represents the 31st district that includes Sagamore Hills. He followed up on our report — showing a video of police executing a search warrant at the home of 24-year-old Anthony Strong in October 2023.

Records show the case began in 2022, when Google sent authorities a cyber tip identifying an image as child pornography. The downloaded image tracked Strong’s computer and cell phone.

However, three weeks before she searched Strong’s home — records show Detective Victoria Miavitz had already contacted Strong’s attorney — telling him Strong was being investigated for possession of child pornography — potentially allowing any evidence to be destroyed.

“I have nothing to give you guys. I would,” Strong can be heard telling investigators on the police body camera video.

“We don’t have to give them advance notice that we’re going to do this,” Roemer said.

Last month, I contacted Detective Miavitz, asking for an explanation.

“You notified him – and his attorney – of this prior to the execution of the search warrant,” said Detective Mike Mason19. “I mean, can you comment on that?”

“No, I can’t,” Miavitz said.

Rep. Roemer believes the police mishandled this case and someone should be held accountable.

“That’s not how policing is supposed to work,” Roemer said.

We asked Sagamore Hills Police Chief David Hayes if Miavitz was investigated or reprimanded for her handling of the case.

He said he wasn’t, and the case is closed. Hayes had no further comment.

Last May, Strong pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography.

He was put on probation for 18 months and is now a registered sex offender.