(HAMMOND) - A West Lebanon man is facing federal charges after prosecutors say he coerced a 12-year-old New Jersey girl into self-harm and possessed child sexual abuse images.
Federal court records identify the suspect as 26-year-old Billy Joe Holman, also known as William Holman.
He is charged with cyberstalking and possession of child pornography.
Investigators say Holman met the girl on a social media platform in October and allegedly used manipulation, threats and coercive control over about a month.
He then allegedly used verbal abuse and threats to direct the girl's actions, coercing the victim to harm herself, including by carving Holman's initials into her skin and punching herself in the stomach on video, according to court documents. He also demanded that the girl take and send child sexual abuse material to him.
Both federal charges carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, along with fines of up to $250,000.
Federal officials say the case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide effort targeting child sexual exploitation and abuse.