A Manassas Park man has been brought to justice for his heinous crimes. Michael Gerald Moody, 44, pleaded guilty to producing and distributing child pornography in Virginia.
According to court documents, Moody admitted to using a child to engage in sexually explicit conduct and capturing numerous images of that conduct with his cell phone between 2017 and February 2018. He also engaged in text chats with other individuals through the online messaging application Kik Messenger, exchanging images of child sexual abuse and discussing the sexual abuse of children.
Moody distributed child pornography, including images he produced himself and others, to at least eight other individuals. He pleaded guilty to two counts of producing child pornography and one count of distributing child pornography.
Moody faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison when sentenced on September 14. The actual sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge, taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
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. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet and to identify and rescue victims.
Moody’s guilty plea marks a significant victory for law enforcement and the community. His crimes have caused irreparable harm to the victims and their families, and his punishment will serve as a reminder that such actions will not be tolerated.
Tracy Doherty-McCormick, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and other officials made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Liam O’Grady accepted the plea.
Defendant/Respondent: Michael Gerald Moody
Criminal Charges: Producing child pornography, distributing child pornography
City and State: Manassas Park, Virginia
Exact Date: 2018 (between 2017 and February 2018)
Sentence or Outcome: 15 years in prison (mandatory minimum)
Facts: Moody produced and distributed child pornography, engaged in text chats with other individuals through Kik Messenger, and distributed child pornography to at least eight other individuals.
Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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