Former Clarksville Police Officer Seeks Change of Venue in Sexual Exploitation Trial

A former Clarksville Police officer, facing almost a dozen counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, is seeking a change of venue for his trial.

34-year-old Michael Tobin is accused of showing sexually explicit images and videos from a pending criminal case to a minor under the age of 18 between September 2021 and February 2022. The minor reported the activity last March and he was fired by the City of Clarksville. 

Tobin was arrested last September by the Butler County Sheriff’s Office and Iowa DCI on three felony counts and eight aggravated misdemeanor counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. He has pleaded not guilty.

Tobin’s trial is currently set for April 4th in Butler County District Court. However, on Monday, his attorney, Nellie O’Mara, filed a motion seeking a change in venue citing extensive negative media publicity and his position as a former Clarksville Police officer as factors that would make it difficult to find a fair and impartial jury in Butler County.

A hearing on that request has been scheduled for February 20th, along with a hearing of the defense’s motions seeking more access to evidence gathered by the prosecution. That also includes allowing their defense expert to review electronic devices including the victim’s tablet and cell phone, Tobin’s own phone, and a Clarksville Police Department computer.