Attorney General Ashley Moody's Office of Statewide Prosecution has secured a 16-year prison sentence for James Bechtold, who was charged with possessing and soliciting child pornography as well as the online solicitation of minors. Bechtold pled guilty following the discovery of explicit images and videos on his electronic devices. Additionally, he received explicit photos of young children from a babysitter in Colorado.
Attorney General Ashley Moody commented, "We’ve secured a lengthy prison sentence to ensure this man who exploited children is kept away from the public for the next 16 years."
The investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement began in March after receiving an alert from law enforcement officials in Colorado. Bechtold had established a relationship with a woman from Colorado through an online dating platform called Fetlife under the username 'Daddy_Red_Oak.' Their communication later moved to Snapchat.
The woman informed Bechtold, using the alias 'redblessesyou' on Snapchat, that she babysat three children six days a week. He manipulated her into sending pictures of two female toddlers, specifically requesting images of their “private areas.” Bechtold threatened her to obtain these photos.
Authorities were able to trace information from Bechtold's accounts back to his residence in Valrico, Hillsborough County, Florida. A search conducted at his home led FDLE agents to find images and videos depicting child pornography on his electronic devices.
Bechtold faced charges including 14 counts of possession of child pornography, production of child pornography, and online solicitation of a minor for sex acts. After pleading guilty, he will serve 16 years in prison followed by seven years probation and will remain a registered sex offender for life.
In related developments, Colorado authorities arrested the babysitter involved and filed charges against her for sexual exploitation of a child.
Senior Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Guillermo Vallejo managed the case.