A Campbell man is facing dozens of felony charges. Mahoning County Prosecutor Gina DeGenova said the charges stem from an elaborate scheme to lure teenagers into drugs and sexual activity online.

50-year-old Gerald Hamilton of Campbell is facing 36 felony charges for allegedly posing as a teenager online and using drugs to manipulate them.

Hamilton allegedly reached out to three minors on social media, acting as a sixteen year old girl. After he gained their trust, he was asking for explicit photos of the minors.

DeGenova said she has seen many catfishing cases in the past, but Hamilton's case is unique.

"The picture he was using as himself, he actually did establish a relationship with that girl as well and she resides in Massachusetts. And he would use her picture in likeness to gain trust with girls he didn’t have permission to do so, so there are charges that stem from that," said DeGenova.

All of the victims were minors. Of the three victims, Hamilton allegedly met with one at a hotel.

The alleged crimes took place between 2020 and 2022.

"Well this investigation has been going on for quite some time. It’s my understanding that a complaint was raised at a local school here in 2020, and it has been under investigation since that that time," said DeGenova.

Some of the charges against Hamilton include corrupting another with drugs, compelling prostitution and several relating to possession of pornographic images.