A man from Kent, Washington, Michael Posey, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for advertising child pornography. The sentencing took place in the U.S. District Court in Portland, where Chief U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker also imposed seven years of supervised release following the prison term. Posey had pleaded guilty to the charges on August 29, 2024.
Judge Walker highlighted the detrimental impact of communities like the one Posey was involved with, stating they "create a supply chain to satisfy the demand for this poison" and cause "generational emotional destruction on vulnerable members of our communities."
Court records indicate that Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents in Portland were investigating a dark web site focused on child sexual abuse in early 2024. They identified a profile managed by Posey, who held a moderator role responsible for approving posts. This profile included a password granting access to files and links shared by Posey. The investigation revealed postings dating back to December 2021 and included a collection of videos depicting child sexual abuse.
In April 2024, HSI agents executed a search warrant at Posey's residence in Kent, Washington. During an interview, Posey admitted to using the dark web profile and provided his login information.
U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee commented on the case: “Mr. Posey helped to create and benefited from a marketplace predicated on vulnerable victims being abused.” She emphasized that such material results in ongoing victimization every time it is shared or viewed.
Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol of Homeland Security Investigations in New England remarked on the significance of the sentence: “Posey used the dark web to advertise abhorrent images capturing the sexual abuse of children who were irreparably harmed in the productions.”
The case was part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse.
For those wishing to report incidents involving child pornography or seek help related to sexual assault or abuse, resources are available through organizations such as the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and local helplines.