Justin Whichard, Production of Child Sexual Abuse Material, Virginia 2024

Virginia Beach Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Sextorting Minors

NORFOLK, Va. – A Virginia Beach man was sentenced to 25 years in prison for production of child sexual abuse material.

According to court documents, Justin Whichard, 24, extorted two minor victims by chatting online with them, fostering a romantic and sexual dynamic, and threatening to reveal their identities to their families unless they produced child sexual abuse material for him.

While investigating Whichard for ordering a machinegun conversion device online, law enforcement searched Whichard’s residence on July 26, 2023. Whichard possessed 131 images and 15 videos of child sexual abuse material, including infants and toddlers.

Whichard’s phone also contained 106 images of animated child exploitive material, as well as a script that specifically requested the production of child sexual abuse material.

While on bond on state charges, Whichard fled for several months across numerous states. Law enforcement apprehended Whichard in Tennessee in March 2024.

Whichard pled guilty on November 5, 2024. Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton D. LaForge prosecuted the case.

The Virginia Beach Police Department and the Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office provided invaluable assistance in the investigation.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.

Mandatory Facts: Defendant Justin Whichard, production of child sexual abuse material, NORFOLK, Va., July 26, 2023, 25 years in prison.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edva/pr/virginia-beach-man-sentenced-25-years-prison-after-sextorting-two-minors-and-adult