Jacksonville Man Sentenced To 30 Years For Soliciting, Directing, And Paying For Live Molestation Of Children Over The Internet

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis today sentenced Justin Laurence McKinley (49, Jacksonville) to 30 years in federal prison for communicating over the Internet with foreign nationals and soliciting the live molestation of children for online viewing. He was also ordered to serve a life term of supervision upon his release and to register as a sex offender.

According to court documents, in 2015, the FBI began an investigation into a website engaging in the exploitation and enticement of children to participate in sexual activity. This investigation also revealed that several individuals in a foreign country were engaged in the molestation of young children for the purpose of broadcasting live streaming “sex shows” to online viewers who paid a fee to watch. These individuals were arrested and McKinley was identified for paying to view these live streams.

Between January 2014 and December 2015, McKinley sent a total of 100 electronic fund transfers, totaling $31,415, to the individuals who molested children in the “sex shows.” On May 18, 2014, an individual engaged in a live video session with McKinley where the individual sexually abused an infant child as McKinley watched. During this live session, McKinley instructed the individual as to what he wanted the individual to do with the baby. Between 2014 and early 2016, McKinley engaged in many other similar online conversations with several foreign nationals.

On May 27, 2016, law enforcement officers executed a federal search warrant at McKinley’s residence and seized computer media containing the abuse videos that he purchased and directed. The child victims depicted in the streaming videos ranged in age from a newborn to an 8-year-old child. Forensic analyses of McKinley’s computer media revealed at least 600 videos and 6,500 images depicting the sexual abuse of children.

“Today’s sentence reflects the horrific nature of this crime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Stephen Muldrow. “We will continue to prosecute those who prey upon and violate our most vulnerable victims, wherever they are found.”

"This case demonstrates the relentless effort by the FBI Jacksonville Division and our law enforcement partners to identify and stop those who prey on our most valuable asset - our children," said Special Agent in Charge Charles P. Spencer. "We work hand in hand everyday to protect these innocent victims and seek justice for the egregious acts committed against them. Today's 30-year sentence is just one example of our dedication to this work, and the many successes in our partnership."

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and law enforcement authorities in several other countries. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.

It is another case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.