William Burns, Child Abuse, Missouri 2023

State: Missouri
Category: Sex Crimes
Source: <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmo/pr/franklin-county-couple-admit-recording-sexual-abuse-toddler" style="color:#cc0000;" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">DOJ Press Release ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Â Ã¢â‚¬â€

In a disturbing case, a Franklin County, Missouri couple has admitted to producing and possessing child sexual abuse material, including a video of a 1-year-old being abused.

The couple, William Burns, 41, and Rachel Burns, 34, were arrested on July 30, 2023, by the University City Police Department with two small children in their car. They were charged with attempted enticement of a child in St. Louis County Circuit Court.

During the investigation, investigators found a 2022 video showing the couple sexually abusing a 1-year-old. They also found other videos and images from 2022 and 2023 showing the same victim. The couple has admitted to producing and possessing these images and videos.

William Burns pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to produce child pornography, three counts of production of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography on Friday. His wife, Rachel Burns, pleaded guilty on May 22 to the conspiracy count and two counts of production of child pornography.

The investigation found that William Burns used a WhatsApp social media account to exchange child sexual abuse material with other users. Investigators also found a 3-foot-7-inch-tall silicone sex doll made to resemble a prepubescent female in their home, as well as whips and numerous sexual devices.

Rachel Burns is scheduled to be sentenced on August 25, with the U.S. Attorney’s office recommending no more than 35 years in prison. William Burns is scheduled to be sentenced on September 3, with the U.S. Attorney’s office recommending between 35 and 40 years in prison.

The University City Police Department, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, and the St. Louis County Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Hayes is prosecuting the case.

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