Jeremy Matthew Meyerett, Child Pornography Production, CA 2023

LOS ANGELES – Jeremy Matthew Meyerett, 41, of San Bernardino is facing two decades behind bars after being sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for the horrific production of child pornography. The case, which involved sexually explicit images of a 5-year-old girl, culminated in a sentencing hearing yesterday before United States District Judge Virginia A. Phillips. Meyerett will also be subject to 20 years of supervised release upon his eventual release from custody.

The depravity of Meyerett’s actions came to light through an undercover investigation initiated by the Queensland (Australia) Police Service. Court documents reveal that Meyerett brazenly discussed sexually molesting a young girl. A subsequent search of an online account linked to Meyerett by federal law enforcement officials unearthed the disturbing child pornography depicting the victim. The investigation quickly crossed international borders, bringing the predator to justice.

“Child exploitation offenses such as those prosecuted in these cases are a scourge on our community,” declared United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker. “My office will continue to protect vulnerable child victims of these heinous crimes by seeking lengthy sentences, such as the one imposed this week, for these criminals.” Decker’s office made a clear statement with the severity of the sentence, signaling a zero-tolerance policy towards those who prey on children.

The takedown of Meyerett was a collaborative effort between the Riverside Police Department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Special Assistant United States Attorney Teresa Beecham, a Riverside County deputy district attorney and member of the Riverside County District Attorney’s SAFE team, expertly prosecuted the case. Notably, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office dismissed a related state case against Meyerett to allow for federal prosecution, a testament to the severity of the federal charges.

Meyerett is not alone. He is one of several Inland Empire men recently facing federal charges related to child pornography. James Gregory O’Neill, 58, of Riverside, received a 10-year sentence on May 2nd for his third conviction of possessing child pornography – he was on parole at the time. Andrew Harrison Fowler, 26, of Perris, a convicted sex offender already on parole, pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography and was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison and a lifetime of supervised release on June 27th. Fowler’s crimes were discovered when his employer flagged suspicious activity on a work computer.

“The lengthy sentences given to these defendants are a gratifying outcome for the HSI special agents who work tirelessly to identify child sexual predators and bring them to justice,” stated Joseph Macias, special agent in charge for HSI Los Angeles. “The sexual exploitation of children is a despicable crime and, as these sentences make clear, there are serious consequences for those convicted. HSI remains committed to working with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to aggressively pursue those who victimize the most vulnerable members of our society, our children.” The cases serve as a grim reminder of the ongoing battle against online child exploitation and the dedication of law enforcement to protect innocent victims.