Watson Gets 30 Years for Exploiting Children

BALTIMORE, MD – David Jamal Watson, 40, of Fort Washington, Maryland, will spend the next three decades behind bars after being sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for the horrific sexual exploitation of two children. U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis delivered the sentence today, followed by a 15-year supervised release term, and ordered Watson to register as a sex offender upon his release – a requirement in every location he lives, works, or studies.

The case, spearheaded by U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland, along with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Baltimore, and the Maryland State Police (MSP), revealed a chilling pattern of abuse. Between September and October 2023, Watson preyed on two victims, ages 9 and 13, producing, distributing, and attempting to profit from child sex abuse material (CSAM). His digital footprint extended across multiple platforms – Telegram, Instagram, Twitter, and Google – used to store and disseminate the vile content, including images and videos of his victims and other children.

The investigation began in July 2023, when the Maryland Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received two CyberTips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. These tips flagged 51 suspicious files uploaded to Google between October 2022 and July 2023, traced back to an IP address linked to Watson’s Fort Washington residence. A subsequent search warrant executed in October 2023 uncovered damning evidence: five devices seized from Watson’s bedroom, and a confession during an MSP interview acknowledging his viewing, retention, and distribution of CSAM.

Forensic analysis of the seized devices revealed a staggering cache of over 600 CSAM images. Investigators also uncovered conversations on Telegram where Watson openly discussed charging money for nude images of his victims. Further investigation into Watson’s Instagram account confirmed he’d attempted to sell CSAM depicting his victims to at least three other users. Watson was arrested at his residence in November 2023, admitting to recording the images at his home.

This prosecution falls under Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 dedicated to combating the epidemic of child sexual exploitation. The program combines the resources of federal, state, and local law enforcement to identify predators, rescue victims, and bring abusers to justice. Authorities urge anyone with information regarding child exploitation to report it immediately.

U.S. Attorney Hayes praised the collaborative efforts of HSI and MSP, and specifically thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan S. McKoy for her work on the case. The Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to protecting vulnerable children and holding those who exploit them accountable. For information on Project Safe Childhood, visit justice.gov/psc. For internet safety resources, visit justice.gov/psc and explore the ‘Resources’ tab.

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