OWENSBORO, Ky. — Final week, a federal decide sentenced a Kentucky man to twenty years in jail for producing, distributing, receiving and possessing youngster pornography following a Homeland Safety Investigations (HSI) Nashville investigation.
U.S. Legal professional Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. of the Kentucky State Police, and HSI Nashville Particular Agent in Cost Rana Saoud, who oversees HSI in Tennessee and Kentucky, made the announcement.
In response to court docket paperwork, Corey Allen Stephens, 31, used a social media software to speak with others. Within the chat, he posted a picture of his sexual abuse of a toddler. He boasted that it was “Not the primary time I’ve completed it.” HSI Chattanooga particular brokers traced the chat to Stephens’ dwelling, the place brokers recovered further proof of kid sexual abuse offenses.
“I respect the distinctive work of HSI, KSP and AUSA Sewell on this case,” mentioned Bennett. “Defending the youngsters of the Western District from predators just like the defendant is a high precedence of this workplace. We stay vigilant and can proceed to analyze and aggressively prosecute those that search to sexually exploit our youngsters.”
Along with the 20-year jail sentence, the decide ordered Stephens to pay $3,000 in restitution to the sufferer. He additionally faces a lifetime of supervised launch. There isn’t any parole within the federal system.
“The numerous sentence imposed on Corey Stephens sends a transparent message that there are critical penalties for individuals who exploit probably the most weak members of our society — our youngsters. Stephens will serve 20 years in federal jail for his incomprehensible acts,” acknowledged HSI Nashville Particular Agent in Cost Rana Saoud. “HSI stays dedicated to working with our legislation enforcement companions to aggressively pursue predators who traumatize and victimize youngsters and preserve our vigilance to carry them to justice.”
HSI Nashville, HSI Bowling Inexperienced, HSI Chattanooga and the Kentucky State Police investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Legal professional Madison Sewell of the USA Legal professional’s Bowling Inexperienced Department Workplace prosecuted the case.
HSI is the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Division of Homeland Safety (DHS), liable for investigating transnational crime and threats, particularly these legal organizations that exploit the worldwide infrastructure via which worldwide commerce, journey, and finance transfer. HSI’s workforce of greater than 8,700 staff consists of greater than 6,000 particular brokers assigned to 237 cities all through the USA, and 93 abroad places in 56 international locations. HSI’s worldwide presence represents DHS’s largest investigative legislation enforcement presence overseas and one of many largest worldwide footprints in U.S. legislation enforcement.
Be taught extra about HSI’s mission to fight youngster exploitation @HSI_Nashville.
