crime news

Repeat Child Predator Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Prison

In a significant victory for law enforcement and child protection advocates, a repeat child predator was recently sentenced to more than 10 years in prison. This development marks an important step forward in ensuring the safety and well-being of our most vulnerable population—our children.

A Serial Offender Brought to Justice

Repeat Child Predator Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Prison

Defendant Continued Sharing Child Pornography Even After a Conviction

            WASHINGTON – Michael Otis-Currie, 27, of Adelanto, California, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 121 months in prison and 10 years of supervised release for accessing and viewing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs, of the Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division, and Acting Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

Otis-Currie pleaded guilty on September 11, 2022. According to court documents, on October 1, 2020, an undercover law enforcement officer (“UC”) entered the “you.ngshare” KIK group, a group that was designed for members to discuss the sexual abuse of children, and to  trade child pornography. The UC continued to monitor activity in the group over the next several days. Between October 1, 2020 and November 17, 2020, approximately 400 users joined the “you.ngshare” group. On October 18, 2020, a user later identified as the defendant posted a link to the group that contained approximately 2,250 image and video files depicting the sexual abuse of children. Many of these videos depicted the rape and physical torture of several young children. The folder shared by the defendant also contained a subfolder entitled “Incest,” which contained approximately 250 additional videos and images depicting child erotica and child pornography.

Otis-Currie was previously convicted in California in 2019 of possession or control of child pornography and was on supervised probation when he committed the instant offense. A law enforcement search of the defendant’s phone revealed additional saved video and image files depicting the sexual abuse of children. The defendant admitted that he was a member of different online groups in which child pornography was discussed and shared.

This investigation also received valuable assistance from Los Angeles Field Office – Victorville Resident Agency. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Janani Iyengar and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Forman, of the Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.

The successful prosecution and sentencing of this predator is the culmination of extensive investigative work by federal and local law enforcement agencies, along with collaboration from the community. Their tireless efforts in gathering evidence, building a cohesive case, and ultimately bringing the offender to justice have been commendable.

A Strong Sentence Reflecting the Severity of the Crimes

The court’s decision to impose a sentence exceeding 10 years reinforces the gravity of the predator’s actions and sends a clear message that crimes against children will not be tolerated. The judge’s ruling takes into account the long-lasting emotional and psychological harm inflicted upon the victims, as well as the need to protect society from further harm.

Child predators pose an ongoing threat to our communities. By imposing a substantial sentence, the court has demonstrated a commitment to safeguarding our children and deterring potential offenders.

Continuing the Fight Against Child Exploitation

While this sentencing marks a significant victory, it is crucial to acknowledge that the battle against child exploitation and abuse is far from over. The need for ongoing vigilance, preventive measures, and effective law enforcement strategies remains paramount.

Citizens are encouraged to remain alert and report any suspicious or concerning behavior involving children to their local law enforcement agency or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s CyberTipline. By working together, we can create a safer environment for our children and ensure that predators are held accountable for their actions.

It is our collective responsibility to protect the most vulnerable members of our society and provide them with the safe and nurturing environment they deserve.

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation

By Jesse Hull

I'm Jesse Hull, a retired Infantry Paratrooper and Outdoor Studies Major at Alaska Pacific University - and I am the mind behind Grimy Times - your portal to the darkest, grittiest news stories spanning the globe. With a tagline like "Grimiest News From Around The World!" you can expect no less. I bring you the most unearthed stories, guaranteeing authenticity without sugarcoating. From shadowy urban alleys to the most remote corners of our planet, my coverage knows no bounds.