GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Homeland Safety Investigations (HSI) Detroit Particular Agent in Cost Angie Salazar introduced Monday, that Christopher James Masterson, 35, of Myrtle Seashore, South Carolina was sentenced to 30 years within the Bureau of Prisons for the sexual exploitation of minor kids. Salazar was joined within the announcement by United States Legal professional Mark Totten.
In imposing sentence, U.S. District Decide Janet T. Neff famous that Masterson was one of many high two or three most egregious intercourse offenders she had sentenced. Masterson might be on supervised launch for 10 years when he will get out of jail.
“HSI and our legislation enforcement companions will proceed to prioritize the security and safety of youngsters in our communities,” mentioned Salazar. “For our staff, the work of caring for the victims of those despicable crimes is simply as vital as bringing predators like Masterson to justice.”
Masterson engaged in a multi-year technique of grooming a minor sufferer, finally convincing her to ship reside video footage of sexual acts involving herself and a sibling through social media. He was arrested after touring from South Carolina to Chippewa County, Michigan to interact in sexual conduct with the sufferer. When legislation enforcement seized his cellphone, they discovered sexually express movies of the sufferer with Masterson directing her actions.
“This horrific kind of predatory conduct harms probably the most susceptible members of our society leaving irreparable harm in its wake,” mentioned Totten. “Those that search to use kids ought to know that my workplace will convey them to justice.”
This case is a part of Undertaking Protected Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to guard kids from exploitation and abuse. The U.S. Legal professional’s Workplace for the Western District of Michigan; county prosecutor’s workplaces; HSI; Michigan State Police’s Web Crimes Towards Kids job pressure; the West Michigan Based mostly Little one Exploitation Job Power (WEBCHEX); and federal, state, and native legislation enforcement are working intently collectively to find, apprehend, and prosecute people who exploit kids. Anybody with info or considerations about potential youngster exploitation ought to contact native legislation enforcement.
This matter was investigated by HSI, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribal Police, the Michigan State Police, the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Workplace, the Metropolis of Sault Ste. Marie Police Division, and U.S. Border Patrol. The case was prosecuted by AUSA Paul D. Lochner and former AUSA Hannah N. Bobee.
Be taught extra about HSI’s mission @HSIDetroit.
HSI is the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Division of Homeland Safety (DHS), answerable for investigating transnational crime and threats, particularly these prison organizations that exploit the worldwide infrastructure via which worldwide commerce, journey, and finance transfer. HSI’s workforce of over 10,400 staff consists of greater than 6,800 particular brokers assigned to 225 cities all through the US, 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.