James Coy Whitaker, Jr., Production of Child Pornography, Ohio 2023

Child Predator Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison

A Fairfield, Ohio man has been sentenced to 250 months in prison on charges of production of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Matthew Schneider.

Schneider was joined in the announcement by Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Downey, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division.

Sentenced was James Coy Whitaker, Jr., 36.

According to court records, beginning in 2013 and continuing to April 2017, Whitaker enticed and persuaded a minor female to produce images and live stream videos of herself engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Whitaker met the minor female in an online social media chat room and conned the victim into sending him a nude image of herself, which he then used to threaten violence and embarrassment if she did not continue to send sexually explicit photos and videos of herself. This conduct began when the female victim was just 12 years old.

“The images sent to Whitaker are not merely pictures but are a permanent record of the sexual abuse and exploitation of a child,” stated United States Attorney Schneider. “I commend the work of the FBI and Michigan State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force for their dedication to investigating crimes against children.”

This case was investigated by special agents with the FBI and the Michigan State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher Rawsthorne and Ann Nee.

According to the United States Attorney, the defendant’s actions had severe consequences for the victim. “The production and distribution of child pornography is a serious crime that causes irreparable harm to victims,” said Schneider. “We will continue to work tirelessly to protect our children from predators like Whitaker.”

The case is a reminder of the dangers of online predators and the importance of online safety. Parents and guardians are advised to monitor their children’s online activities and educate them about the risks of online predators.

Whitaker’s sentence serves as a warning to those who would commit similar crimes. The production and distribution of child pornography is a serious crime that carries severe penalties. If you have any information about child exploitation, please contact the FBI or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

In a statement, the FBI said, “The FBI is committed to investigating and prosecuting crimes against children. We will continue to work with our partners to bring perpetrators like Whitaker to justice.”

The Michigan State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force also commended the work of the FBI and the United States Attorney’s Office in this case. “This case is a prime example of the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies in investigating and prosecuting crimes against children,” said a spokesperson for the task force.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmi/pr/fairfield-ohio-man-was-sentenced-child-pornography-charges