MACON, Ga. – Former teacher Christian Baumgarth, 27, of Atlanta and formerly of Macon, is facing serious charges after a grand jury indicted him for allegedly distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Baumgarth, who had been a teacher and coach at First Presbyterian Day (FPD) School in Macon from 2018-2023 and a volunteer small group leader in the student ministry at Northway Church in Macon from 2019-2023, was charged with two counts of distribution of child pornography and two counts of possession of child pornography.
If convicted, Baumgarth faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison up to a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for each count of distribution of child pornography and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for each count of possession of child pornography. In addition, Baumgarth faces a maximum $250,000 fine per count and up to a lifetime of supervised release.
The indictment alleges that Baumgarth distributed digital video files on July 23, 2023, depicting a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The indictment also alleges that Baumgarth possessed child pornography of a prepubescent minor and a minor under the age of 12 years old on his cellular devices on Aug. 1, 2023.
Baumgarth had his initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles H. Weigle. The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with assistance from the FBI. Deputy Criminal Chief Will Keyes is prosecuting the case for the Government.
An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct, and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt. Parents and guardians of children who may have encountered Baumgarth and have concerns related to this investigation can contact Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) at 1-866-347-2423.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) urges anyone with information regarding child exploitation to report it to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) at www.missingkids.org or to call 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).
HSI encourages parents, educators, and communities to recognize the signs of child exploitation and to report suspicious activity to the authorities. Baumgarth’s arrest serves as a reminder that law enforcement agencies are actively working to protect children from predators.
The case against Baumgarth is a stark reminder of the dangers of child exploitation and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable. As a community, we must work together to prevent child abuse and exploitation.
Related Federal Cases
- Atlanta Teacher Christian Baumgarth Charged with Distributing Child Porn · Georgia
- Substitute Teacher Sentenced for Possessing Child Pornography · Georgia
- Henderson Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography · Georgia
- Augusta Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Possession · Maine
- Historian Henry Kamen Indicted for Child Pornography Possession · Georgia
Key Facts
- State: Georgia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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