A Debord, Kentucky man, Dustin Newsome, 35, has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for the production of child pornography. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell.
Newsome's plea agreement revealed that in August 2023, a parent reported finding THC vape cartridges in their child's room. The minor victim admitted receiving these items and a cellphone from a mail carrier identified as Newsome in exchange for nude images and sexually explicit videos. Investigations uncovered nine minor victims who had produced such material at Newsome's request.
Authorities searching Newsome’s residence found devices containing numerous sexually explicit images and videos involving minors. Additionally, several hundred images and videos of prepubescent minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct were discovered on his electronic devices. These materials were obtained over many years starting from 2013.
Federal law mandates that Newsome serve at least 85 percent of his sentence. Following his release, he will be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for ten years and must pay $105,000 in restitution.
The sentencing announcement was made jointly by Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Louisville Field Office; and Phillip J. Burnett Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police.
The FBI and KSP conducted the investigation with Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse online. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.projectsafechildhood.gov.