Joseph Vieth, CSAM Possession, Illinois 2022

A Worden man has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison for his involvement in the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Joseph Vieth, 36, was sentenced by a U.S. District judge in East St. Louis, Illinois, on October 18, 2021 after he admitted to possessing more than 600 images of CSAM.

The charges against Vieth stem from his activity in an online group identified as a messaging outlet for distributing CSAM from March 28 to October 18, 2021. During this time, he communicated with undercover law enforcement officers and distributed five different videos containing CSAM on four occasions between May 7 and June 21, 2021. He also communicated with undercover law enforcement about meeting to sexually abuse a minor.

On October 5, 2021, Agents executed a search warrant on Vieth’s house and seized multiple electronic devices. While searching his cell phone, agents uncovered more than 600 images of CSAM.

The FBI Springfield Field Office led the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ali Burns prosecuted the case.

Vieth was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine, $5,000 in special assessments and $6,000 in restitution to the victims. Following his prison sentence, he will serve five years of supervised release.

“Law enforcement recovered hundreds of images of CSAM from the defendant’s phone—photos and videos taken of real children being abused in sexually-explicit situations,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “Vieth furthered the exploitation of the victims depicted by viewing and distributing the material, and his substantial prison sentence is warranted.”

“The FBI prioritizes targeting those who put the safety of our children in jeopardy,” said FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge David Nanz. “Our proactive efforts are designed to put those intent on harming children behind bars. This case and the resulting sentence represent the effectiveness of our efforts.”

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