A Metairie resident, Kevin Lillis, has pleaded guilty to distributing child sexual abuse material. Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced the plea before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo. Lillis, 51, admitted to violating federal law under 18 U.S.C. Section 2252(a)(2).
The Federal Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant at Lillis's home in March 2024. Agents found electronic devices containing over 600 images and six videos depicting child sexual abuse and other obscene materials. Some files showed newborns in sexually explicit conduct and portrayed violent acts. Between January and March 2024, Lillis distributed these files multiple times.
Further investigation revealed conversations on encrypted messaging apps where Lillis admitted to having inappropriate contact with minors over two decades.
Lillis faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison for each of the three counts against him, with a potential maximum of twenty years per count. He also faces supervised release ranging from five years to life and fines up to $250,000 per count. A $300 special assessment fee is also applicable, along with possible sex offender registration requirements. Sentencing is set for May 14, 2025.
This case falls under Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat child exploitation online. The project combines resources from various levels of government to prosecute offenders and rescue victims.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson commended the FBI's efforts in this investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg leads the prosecution.