A former Detroit-area doctor has pleaded guilty to a federal child pornography charge after an FBI investigation uncovered disturbing online messages and discussions involving child sexual abuse.
Lincoln Erickson, 32, entered a guilty plea to receipt of child pornography and faces a prison sentence ranging from five to 20 years, along with a fine of up to $250,000.
According to court filings, investigators allegedly recovered Telegram messages in which Erickson wrote, “I love being a pedo.”
The FBI investigation widened after the arrest of Ohio resident Brett Tooman, who allegedly traveled to Toledo believing he would sexually abuse children arranged by a parent online.
Agents discovered videos of minors engaged in explicit acts, alongside AI-generated pornography depicting nude children touching adult men.
Erickson, who worked as a medical resident at the Detroit Medical Center’s Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, drew condemnation from law enforcement.
He is scheduled for sentencing on September 15, 2026, and will be required to register as a sex offender.
