Gregory Butts, Child Exploitation, Connecticut 2022

A 54-year-old Connecticut man, Gregory Butts, has pleaded guilty to a child exploitation offense in federal court, according to a recent press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut.

Butts, a registered sex offender, was convicted in Connecticut state court of illegal sexual contact with a child in April 2016. This conviction makes him a high-risk offender, placing him under close scrutiny from law enforcement.

In November 2020, Butts made a call to a friend of two missing juveniles in Colorado, claiming to have information about their whereabouts. However, his true intentions were far more sinister. He threatened to harm the missing juveniles if the conversation was recorded or if law enforcement was contacted. He even went so far as to demand that the female friend have sexual intercourse with him in exchange for their safe return.

Despite the juveniles eventually returning home unharmed, investigators were able to pinpoint Butts’ location. A search of his residence and another location where he was staying yielded a computer, storage devices, multiple cell phones, and other items. Forensic analysis of these items revealed over 10,000 images and videos of child pornography, as well as downloaded conversations between Butts and minors on social media applications.

Through these conversations, Butts engaged in sexually explicit discussions, made numerous threats, and demanded and received explicit photos. His actions are a stark reminder of the dangers posed by sex offenders and the importance of continued vigilance in protecting our children.

Butts pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography, a charge that carries a mandatory minimum term of 10 years and a maximum term of 20 years in prison due to his prior conviction. He has been detained since March 4, 2022.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in New Haven and Loveland, Colorado, with assistance from the Connecticut Office of Adult Probation, Connecticut State Police, and the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nancy V. Gifford and Daniel E. Cummings.

This prosecution is part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s commitment to protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation through the Project Safe Childhood Initiative. To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.

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