David Roger Franklin, a businessman from Yakima, Washington, has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for crimes involving child sexual abuse material. The sentencing was announced by Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker on February 18, 2025. Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian presided over the case and also imposed a 10-year supervised release period following Franklin's imprisonment.
The investigation began when a computer technician discovered folders containing images and videos of child sexual abuse material on Franklin’s laptop in June 2022. FBI agents identified some photos as being taken with Franklin’s cell phone, showing the sexual abuse of a young child known to him. During an interview with agents, the child revealed that Franklin had instructed them to keep the abuse secret.
In addition to these images, agents found another 89 videos and 21 still images depicting young children being abused by adults on Franklin's computer.
Acting United States Attorney Rich Barker praised the bravery of the victim who came forward despite suffering significant harm. He stated: “I am so humbled by the courage of the victim in this case, who suffered such incredible harm, but nonetheless came forward and stood up to Mr. Franklin.” He added that his team remains committed to holding those accountable who betray children.
W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office, emphasized the severity of producing such material: “Possessing child sexual abuse material is disturbing enough, but producing it, as Mr. Franklin did, is another thing entirely.” Herrington thanked investigators for their diligent work on these challenging cases.
The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael D. Murphy and Letitia A. Sikes and investigated by the FBI.