Adrian Grisanti Charged in Child Pornography Scheme

Adrian Grisanti, a 44-year-old man from Louisville, Ky., was arrested this morning on federal charges tied to child pornography and destruction of evidence. Authorities say Grisanti knowingly received and accessed child sexual abuse material through a hidden online network, evading detection for years before being caught in a wide-reaching FBI investigation.

The charges—knowing receipt of child pornography, possession with intent to view child pornography, possession of a computer containing child pornography, and destruction of evidence—were announced today by United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler in New Albany, Indiana. Grisanti was taken into custody without incident and is expected to appear in federal court later this week.

According to the indictment, in February 2015, the FBI seized control of a dark web site used by a clandestine network to distribute child pornography. Users, including Grisanti, accessed and traded illegal files through encrypted services designed to hide their identities. Investigators say Grisanti used the platform to download and view graphic material involving minors.

“Protecting the most vulnerable of our society is a responsibility I take personally and remains a high priority in this office,” said Minkler. “Every time child pornography is viewed on the internet it revictimizes a child.” The statement underscores the Justice Department’s aggressive stance on prosecuting digital exploitation cases.

Assistant United States Attorney Bradley P. Shepard, who is leading the prosecution, said Grisanti could face a minimum of five years and up to 20 years in prison for the receipt charge alone. Each count of accessing with intent to view carries up to 10 years, while possession of child pornography and destruction of evidence each carry maximum 20-year sentences. All charges are punishable upon conviction.

An indictment is not evidence of guilt. Adrian Grisanti is presumed innocent until proven guilty in federal court. The case is being investigated by the FBI and prosecuted under the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana.