Tallahassee Predator Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation

GRIMY NEWS – TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA: Austin Keith Hibbert, 25, of Tallahassee, has pleaded guilty to a litany of international child exploitation crimes, including attempting to entice a minor and preparing to travel for sexual conduct. The case is a chilling reminder of the global threat posed by predators who prey on children online.

Hibbert, who communicated almost daily with a 13-year-old from Estonia via social media, faces life imprisonment after being caught plotting to meet his victim in person. He had sent over twelve explicit videos to the child and planned to travel to Estonia, carrying items indicative of intent to commit sexual acts. His U.S. passport, condoms, and jewelry were seized at Tallahassee International Airport.

United States Attorney John P. Heekin praised law enforcement’s efforts in this case, stating that his office is committed to aggressively prosecuting such predators to the fullest extent of the law. The plea comes as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative dedicated to combating child exploitation via the Internet.

Hibbert faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a maximum of life, followed by five years to life of supervision upon release. Sentencing is set for October 27, 2025.

This joint investigation involved the FBI, Tallahassee Police Department, Estonian Police, and Border Guard Agency. Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen is handling the prosecution.

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