Louisville Predator Sentenced to 32 Years for Child Porn

LOUISVILLE, KY – A sinister predator from Louisville has been sentenced to a lifetime of imprisonment for his despicable exploitation of children through the distribution and production of child pornography. Shaun Douglas Dickson, 26, was handed a 32-year sentence in federal prison, followed by a life term of Supervised Release, on Monday following convictions for production, attempted production, distribution, and possession of child pornography. There is no parole in the federal system.

Court documents reveal that, between 2017 and 2019, Dickson engaged in online conversations with minors, masquerading as an 11-year-old girl and a 13-year-old boy. The pervert sent child pornographic images to his unsuspecting victims, including young girls in Greece and Australia who he coerced into creating explicit content for him. His threats were real; if they didn’t comply, he warned of distributing their intimate images to friends and family. Evidence uncovered during a 2019 search warrant at Dickson’s residence indicated the presence of over 1,200 child pornographic images and videos.

United States Attorney Michael A. Bennett praised the investigators and prosecutors for dismantling Dickson’s predatory activities: ‘The outstanding effort has ended the activities of a sexual predator who exploited children internationally.’ The partnership between the Attorney General Cameron’s office and HSI Nashville was also highlighted as instrumental in bringing justice to this case.

Attorney General Cameron emphasized, ‘Our children deserve childhoods free from exploitation. Collaboration among law enforcement is essential to protecting our youngest.’ Special Agent in Charge Jerry C. Templet, Jr. of HSI Nashville, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to protecting vulnerable children and ensuring justice for those who commit such heinous acts.

This case was investigated by the Office of the Kentucky Attorney General and the United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alicia Gomez and Stephanie Zimdahl prosecuted the case with tenacity.

Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation, led this investigation. For more information on Project Safe Childhood and internet safety education resources, visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.

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