⏱ 2 min read
A Glen Allen man, Phillip Michael Taft, 40, has been sentenced to 19 years and seven months in prison for distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in Virginia. The sentencing follows an investigation by the FBI, which began after a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children on February 14, 2024. Taft’s cellphone was seized at his probation office, revealing photos and videos depicting CSAM, as well as text messages discussing sexual and pornographic topics.
Further investigation into Taft’s synchronous account uncovered approximately 20 videos depicting CSAM. The FBI’s review of Taft’s phone also identified an exchange from February 12 to 14, 2024, in which he discussed and exchanged images and videos, including at least one depicting the sexual abuse of children.
Taft has a history of criminal convictions, including eight felony counts for the sexual abuse of animals and eight felony counts for permitting sexual contact with an animal. His federal sentence will be served consecutively to his state sentence.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Janet Jin Ah Lee and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Carla Jordan-Detamore.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Sex Crimes
- Defendant: Virginia
- Location: VA
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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