CAPE GIRARDEAU – A disturbing case of child pornography has come to a close in southern Missouri. A federal judge has handed down a 210-month sentence to Travis Crane, a 30-year-old man from Kennett, Missouri, for the production of child pornography.
The disturbing crime was uncovered in July 2020, when law enforcement officials executed a search warrant at Crane’s residence after receiving a tip that he was using Facebook to upload files containing child pornography. During the investigation, investigators discovered multiple images and videos of child pornography on Crane’s mobile phone.
But that was not all – investigators also discovered several explicit images of Crane’s own 2-year-old daughter, taken while she was sleeping. Crane eventually admitted to producing the images during his guilty plea hearing last year.
The case was investigated by the Poplar Bluff Police Department, the SEMO Cybercrimes Task Force, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jack Koester handled the prosecution for the government.
Crane will be required to serve his 210-month sentence, followed by 20 years of supervised release. He will also be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
The sentence is a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies in Missouri to protect vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse. We commend the investigators and prosecutors who worked on this case for their dedication and commitment to justice.
This case serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of producing and distributing child pornography. We urge parents and guardians to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately.
Mandatory Facts:
1. Defendant/Respondent: Travis Crane
2. Exact Criminal Charges: Sexual Exploitation of a Minor
3. City and State: Kennett, Missouri
4. Date: July 2020 (crime date)
5. Sentence or Outcome: 210 months in federal prison, 20 years supervised release, lifetime registration as a sex offender
Related Federal Cases
- Travis Howard White, Producing Child Pornography, Missouri 2018 · Kansas
- Steven Michael George, Distributed Child Pornography, Missouri 2023 · Kansas
- Eric Michael Swancutt, Receiving Child Pornography, Missouri 2024 · Kansas
- Steven Hill, Child Pornography, Missouri 2024 · Iowa
- Steven Robert Hill, Child Pornography Possession, Missouri 2023 · Missouri
Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Sex CrimesSex CrimesSex CrimesSex Crimes