Whitworth Gets 25 Years For Exploiting Teen

BUFFALO, N.Y. – David Whitworth, 44, of Madison, Wisconsin, will spend the next 25 years in federal prison after being sentenced today for the production and receipt of child pornography. Senior U.S. District Court Judge William M. Skretny handed down the sentence, effectively removing a predator from the streets and, more importantly, protecting vulnerable children.

The case unraveled in July 2011 when a then-16-year-old girl contacted the Lancaster, New York Police Department, reporting suspicious contact from several supposed “modeling agencies.” These agencies dangled the promise of a lucrative career and financial gain in exchange for nude and partially nude photographs. The seemingly innocent lure quickly turned sinister, prompting the Lancaster PD to bring in the FBI.

Investigators quickly discovered the girl had been lured by a man identifying himself as “Logan” in an AOL chat room. “Logan” promised a modeling career in New York City, and the victim, believing the offer, began sending compromising photographs. What followed was a coordinated exploitation: after sending the initial images, the victim was contacted by a network of ten other individuals claiming to be modeling agents or associates of “Logan.” More graphic images were solicited and exchanged online.

The investigation revealed a chilling truth: David Whitworth was not just “Logan,” but the entire network of fake agencies and associates. He meticulously crafted a facade to exploit the victim, preying on her dreams and naiveté. U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr., minced no words, stating, “This case demonstrates how unscrupulous predators are willing to take advantage of the innocent dreams of children. As a result of this sentence, this defendant will no longer have the opportunity to do so.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, the lead prosecutor on the case, successfully built a case that brought Whitworth to justice. The sentencing is the culmination of a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, led by Special Agent in Charge Adam S. Cohen, alongside the Cheektowaga Police Department under Chief David Zack, and the Lancaster Police Department under Chief Gerald Gill. The collaboration underscores the importance of interagency cooperation in combating these horrific crimes.

Whitworth’s 25-year sentence serves as a stark warning to those who seek to exploit children online. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on similar instances of online predation, shining a light on the dark corners of the internet and holding perpetrators accountable for their heinous acts. Contact Barbara Burns at (716) 843-5817 for further inquiries.