Holland Man Sentenced 25 Years Child Sexual Exploitation

Darian Howard, a 25-year-old man from Holland, Michigan, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to sexual exploitation of a child. The charges arose from a November 2024 911 call reporting that Howard had taken sexually explicit photographs of a three-year-old girl, with investigations revealing similar images involving two young girls and a video depicting him assaulting one of them. Howard pleaded guilty to one of three counts in May 2025, with the other charges dropped in exchange. U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey emphasized the seriousness of prosecuting crimes against vulnerable children, and agencies including the Holland Department of Public Safety, Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, and FBI collaborated on the case as part of Project Safe Childhood. Howard's attorney noted his client’s acceptance of responsibility and willingness to undergo treatment, while officials underscored the commitment to protect the community and pursue justice against offenders exploiting children. The case highlights ongoing law enforcement efforts to combat child exploitation and ensure safety in the Holland community.