A Naval Commander has been caged for 13 years after a sickening investigation uncovered his distribution of child abuse material and leaking of classified national defense information.
Gregory Edward McLean, 40, a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy, was sentenced to 13 years and 4 months in federal prison for spreading vile content depicting the sexual abuse of young children and 10 years for leaking classified information.
The heinous crimes were uncovered after a cyber tipline report from Rhode Island state law enforcement revealed a user on a messaging app had shared disturbing videos of child abuse. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) took over the investigation, identifying additional instances of McLean distributing the sickening content.
Agents executed a search warrant at McLean’s residence in November 2021, seizing electronic devices and storage media that revealed numerous files of child abuse material. A forensic review also uncovered a flash drive containing classified national defense information classified at the Secret level and Confidential level.
McLean, who had a Top-Secret security clearance, had access to sensitive information throughout his naval service. Despite knowing the risks, he stored classified documents at his home, which is an unauthorized location. The leaked information contained sensitive details about foreign governments and their combat aircraft and naval capabilities, posing a significant threat to national security.
U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg praised the cooperation and diligent investigation of law enforcement partners, stating, “Protecting our children from abuse and safeguarding our national security interests are of paramount importance to my office.”
Special Agent in Charge Barbara Jackson of the NCIS Southeast Field Office added, “This sentencing serves as an example that such behavior will not be tolerated within the Navy ranks.”
Coult Markovsky, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division, emphasized the significant risk posed by McLean’s actions, saying, “Let this sentence serve as a pledge to all Americans that the FBI and our partners will doggedly pursue those who exploit their position of trust and risk our national security.”
The case was investigated by the NCIS, FBI, and Rhode Island State Police, with assistance from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. McLean pleaded guilty on December 6, 2023, and will serve his sentences concurrently.
The case highlights the severity of crimes involving child abuse material and the consequences of leaking sensitive information. It serves as a warning to those who would exploit their positions of trust and risk national security.
Related Federal Cases
- Naval Commander Jailed for 13+ Years for Sick Child Abuse Material, Espionage · Rhode Island
- Registered Sex Offender Sentenced to Prison for Child Pornography and Enticement Charges · Rhode Island
- Convicted Sex Offender Jailed for Failing to Register · Rhode Island
- Convicted Sex Offender Jailed for Failing to Register · Massachusetts
- Nicholas Woodyard Sentenced in Child Abuse Material Case · Florida
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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