A Chittenden County jury has found Cory Johnson, a 38-year-old resident of South Burlington, Vermont, guilty of aggravated sexual assault involving a toddler. The verdict was reached after a three-day trial. The charge stemmed from investigations by the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (VT-ICAC), which included personnel from the Attorney General’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations.
Following the jury's decision, Judge Michael Kupersmith ordered that Johnson be held pending sentencing. The charge carries a potential life sentence. A pre-sentence investigation and psychosexual report have been ordered by the court, with a sentencing date to be determined.
The VT-ICAC focuses on cases of child sexual exploitation over the internet, including production and distribution of child sexual abuse materials. It also offers forensic examination services, technical assistance, law enforcement training, and public education.
"The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) is the nation’s centralized reporting system for the online exploitation of children," stated an announcement related to the case. Reports can be made regarding suspected online enticement or other forms of child exploitation through NCMEC's 24-hour call center or their website.
For those recovering from child sexual exploitation, support services are available through NCMEC. They offer emotional support, help in removing content from the internet, and assistance in finding mental health professionals.