Online Predator Messaged More Than 100 Children On SnapChat: Prosecutors

LAKE IN THE HILLS, IL — A Lake in the Hills man accused of using social media to solicit sexually explicit images and videos from children as young as 10 years old — and allegedly communicating with more than 100 children online — is expected to appear in court next week.

Ryan D. Shapiro, 48, has been charged with six counts of child pornography stemming from allegations that he used the social media platform Snapchat to communicate with children under the age of 18 and request sexually explicit videos and images, according to prosecutors. He has remained in custody since his arrest in August 2025.

The investigation into Shapiro began after authorities identified a child victim from another state who was allegedly solicited by Shapiro through Snapchat, officials said. The Lake in the Hills Police Department partnered with the Federal Bureau of Investigation during the investigation.

According to prosecutors, search warrants obtained for Snapchat records allegedly revealed that Shapiro communicated with more than 100 children under the age of 18. Authorities said Shapiro confirmed the children’s ages — ranging from 10 to 15 years old — before allegedly requesting explicit material from them, according to a news release from the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Investigators also alleged that Shapiro sent images of himself to the children.

A status hearing regarding a trial date is scheduled for May 20 in McHenry County Circuit Court.