A Louisville man has been sentenced to 11 years and 7 months in federal prison for distributing and possessing child pornography. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman, and Special Agent in Charge Robert Holman of the United States Secret Service.
“I commend the Secret Service and the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office for their continuing work and partnership in combatting child exploitation throughout the Commonwealth,” said U.S. Attorney Bennett. He emphasized that "federal and state cooperation is crucial to the successful prosecution of those who harm our most vulnerable citizens."
Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman stated, “Kentucky’s kids will be safer with this predator behind bars.” He expressed gratitude for "the zealous collaboration with our partners at the U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to demonstrate once again the serious consequences for the exploitation of our children.”
Douglas Huelsman, aged 45, received his sentence along with an order for 15 years of supervised release after serving time for one count each of distribution and possession of child pornography. Court documents revealed that Huelsman used an online messaging application to distribute and receive images and videos depicting child sexual abuse material.
Huelsman has also been ordered to pay $36,000 in restitution to multiple victims involved in this case. It should be noted that there is no parole available within the federal system.
The investigation was conducted by the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General’s Department of Criminal Investigations alongside the United States Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie M. Zimdahl prosecuted this case.
This legal action falls under Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. The project utilizes resources from federal, state, and local levels to locate, apprehend, prosecute offenders, as well as identify and rescue victims.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood or internet safety education resources, visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.