David Yellen, 59, of Royal Oak, Michigan Pleads Guilty to Distributing Child Pornography

DETROIT – In a disturbing case that has left the gymnastics community reeling, David Eric Yellen, 59, of Royal Oak, Michigan, pleaded guilty to distributing child pornography in federal district court, announced U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison.

Yellen’s involvement with child pornography came to light after the FBI discovered that he was distributing images of child pornography over the internet using peer-to-peer file-sharing software. The investigation revealed that Yellen had worked as a photographer and videographer at multiple youth female gymnastics events in the past several years, taking advantage of his position of trust to exploit vulnerable children.

When the FBI searched Yellen’s house, they found that he possessed hundreds of files of child pornography on his electronic devices, and that he had taken at least 200 photographs of the bare feet of the children who attended the gyms and gymnastic events where Yellen worked. The sheer scale of Yellen’s depravity is a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk in the shadows of our communities.

“Yellen’s child pornography conduct was aggravated because of his position of trust in the gymnastics community with youth gymnasts and their parents,” stated U.S. Attorney Ison. “My office will continue to make the prosecution of child pornography crimes a top priority in order to keep our community and our children safe.”

Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan, added, “Yellen, a well-known figure in the Michigan gymnastic community, was found to be distributing child sex abuse material and to have other questionable photos on his devices directly involving some of the gymnasts he worked alongside. Adults who work with and around our children are entrusted with the highest level of trust, and Yellen’s conduct demonstrated his disregard for their protection.”

Under the terms of his plea agreement, Yellen will face a sentence of between five and 20 years in prison, to be followed by a term of supervised release of at least five years and up to life. Yellen entered his guilty plea before U.S. District Court Chief Judge Sean F. Cox.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI, with the case being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher Rawsthorne, Ann Nee, and Sarah Alsaden. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in protecting our children from predators like Yellen, and the need for continued efforts to bring these individuals to justice.

The FBI will continue to dedicate its resources to removing these individuals who lurk in the shadows and bringing them to justice. As the gymnastics community struggles to come to terms with Yellen’s actions, it is clear that the consequences of his depravity will be severe and long-lasting.”

This case is a stark reminder that child predators can lurk in the most unexpected places, and that the gymnastics community must remain vigilant in protecting its youngest members. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and bring you updates as more information becomes available.

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