Jacksonville, FL — A 23-year-old Middleburg software engineer who used an infant and a toddler to produce child pornography has been sentenced to 60 years in federal prison. Andrew Leslie, once entrusted with writing code, now faces a lifetime behind bars followed by lifetime supervised release after pleading guilty to producing and distributing vile child sexual abuse material.
The sentence, handed down yesterday by U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis, marks the end of a grim investigation that began with a federal search warrant executed at Leslie’s residence. Agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) discovered a digital camera beside his bed. Inside was a memory card filled with images of Leslie sexually abusing two children—one an infant, the other approximately two years old.
One of the victims, the toddler, was found in Leslie’s bed at the time of the raid and immediately rescued. Forensic examination of multiple digital devices seized from the home revealed Leslie had not only produced the abuse images but also received, distributed, and possessed numerous other files depicting child pornography—evidence of a predator deeply embedded in the darkest corners of criminal exploitation.
“Yesterday’s sentence demonstrates the severity of the crimes committed in this case,” said U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez of the Middle District of Florida. “We intend to continue our pursuit in prosecuting such egregious crimes as this, in hopes that justice will be served for the victims.” Leslie’s betrayal of trust and the vulnerability of his victims shocked even seasoned investigators.
“Andrew Leslie committed unspeakable crimes against the most vulnerable of victims, children so young that they literally cannot speak for themselves,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Our prosecutors and law enforcement partners are committed to identifying and prosecuting offenders like Andrew Leslie and securing sentences like today’s, which ensures that he will never harm another child.”
Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero of ICE-HSI Tampa called the crimes “atrocities beyond comprehension” and said the sentencing could offer some measure of solace to the victims during recovery. The case was investigated by ICE-HSI and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney D. Rodney Brown and Trial Attorney Lauren E. Britsch of the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). It was brought under Project Safe Childhood, the DOJ’s nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation since 2006.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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