Louisville Felon Convicted Of Engaging In Sexually Explicit Conduct With A Minor And Producing Images

Defendant is currently serving a 210-month sentence for distribution and possession of child pornography

Defendant faces a mandatory term of life imprisonment

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – United States Attorney John E. Kuhn, Jr. today announced the guilty verdict, in United States District Court, before Chief Judge Joseph H. McKinley Jr., of a Louisville felon, currently serving a 210-month sentence, on all charges of coercing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction.

“Kniffley is a predator who abused innocent children repeatedly over the course of many years, children who must struggle with the effects of Kniffley’s unspeakable conduct for the rest of their lives,” stated U.S. Attorney Kuhn. “We hope these victims, their families and our community may find some solace in knowing that this defendant now faces a life behind bars.”

Arthur Wayne Kniffley, 43, was convicted on all three charges, in an August 18, 2015 federal grand jury indictment, following a three-day trail. The jury deliberated under one hour before reaching its unanimous verdict.

According to information and testimony presented at trial, on or about October 12, 2003, July 31, 2007, and August 1, 2007, in Louisville, Kniffley, molested and photographed a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct with his Polaroid digital camera.

Kniffley was previously convicted in the Western District of Kentucky of distribution and

possession of child pornography in Criminal Action Number 3:08-CR-134-S on January 25, 2010.

For the prior case, Kniffley was sentenced to a period of 210 month’s incarceration.

During an interview with law enforcement in the previous case, Kniffley admitted to law enforcement that he viewed images of child pornography so he would not again harm children.

After the conclusion of the former prosecution the FBI and United States were contacted by a previously unidentified victim whose images had been discovered in forensic review of Kniffley’ s digital camera seized during a search warrant.

The victim explained that he/she had been sexually abused and photographed by Kniffley via digital camera when he/she was between 11 to 15 years’ old. The victim was interviewed by the FBI and confirmed the photographs contained his/her image. The victim said Kniffley would take pictures of him engaging in sexual activity with Kniffley’s digital camera.

Kniffley also sexually abused three minors in state criminal action number 95-CR-2158.

Kniffley provided a statement to a Detective that he used the children to perform sexual acts.

At sentencing, Kniffley faces a mandatory life term of imprisonment.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Judd, assisted by paralegal Lori Cracknell, and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).