Two Florida men have pleaded guilty to federal charges of producing and distributing child pornography, with both cases exposing the grotesque exploitation of children under the age of ten. Michael J. McClure, 44, of DeFuniak Springs, and Jeffrey W. Boone, Jr., 32, of Shalimar, admitted their crimes in separate but disturbingly similar indictments handed down by a federal grand jury in Pensacola.
McClure admitted to creating and sharing graphic child sexual abuse material via Kik Messenger, targeting a victim under ten years old. Between 2020 and 2021, he participated in a coordinated child exploitation network, collaborating with others online to victimize multiple minors across the country. FBI undercover agents infiltrated the group and documented McClure’s role in the distribution ring before moving in for the arrest.
Boone’s crime was caught in real time. FBI agents monitoring illegal activity on Kik Messenger witnessed Boone producing and transmitting child pornography as it happened in 2021. His victim was also under the age of ten. Law enforcement swiftly identified Boone’s location, executed a search warrant at his Shalimar residence, and interrupted the ongoing abuse. The immediacy of the investigation prevented further harm to the child.
Acting U.S. Attorney Jason R. Coody did not mince words: “There is no greater charge than the protection of our children. Acts of such depravity are horrific and will be vigorously investigated and prosecuted.” He praised the coordinated response between federal and local agencies that led to the rescue of the victims and the dismantling of these predatory operations.
Both men now face severe mandatory sentences. McClure faces a minimum of 20 years in federal prison, up to life. Boone faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years, with a maximum of 30. Sentencing is scheduled for January 2022. The FBI, Walton County Sheriff’s Office, and Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office led the investigations, with prosecution handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David L. Goldberg, Jennifer H. Callahan, and Amanda Gordon.
“These cases represent the FBI’s relentless pursuit of those who seek to exploit the most innocent members of our community,” said Rachel L. Rojas, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division. “Together with our law enforcement partners, we will never waver in our efforts to protect our children from harm.” Public court records are available through the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida.
RELATED: McClure, Boone Plead Guilty to Child Porn Production
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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