Anthony Westemeyer, a 37-year-old resident of Nebo, Illinois, received a 30-year sentence for sexual exploitation of a child, according to a Springfield, Illinois court hearing on April 9, 2025. This sentence will be followed by a five-year term of supervised release.
During the hearing, evidence was presented showing Westemeyer created a coercive environment involving physical and emotional abuse. The government stated he forced the minor victim into performing sexual acts, which he filmed, and compensated other men to participate. Some of these individuals were aware they were being filmed, while others were not. Westemeyer was also found to have provided methamphetamine to entice participants, including the minor victim.
U.S. District Judge Colleen R. Lawless noted Westemeyer's leadership role in the offense and the custodial control over the victim. Judge Lawless described the crime as having a "level of cruelty and abuse" and referred to its "heinous nature."
"This case highlights that many children are victimized by someone known to them," Sarah Seberger, Assistant U.S. Attorney, stated, acknowledging the victim's resilience and commending the partnership with state and local law enforcement. Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge at ICE Homeland Security Investigations, added, "Children should never be subjected to the depraved behavior demonstrated by this defendant."
Westemeyer had pleaded guilty in July 2024 and was detained since his arrest. The penalties for sexual exploitation of a child include 15 to 30 years imprisonment, a potential life term of supervised release, fines up to $250,000, and various special assessments.
The investigation saw collaboration among several agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations, the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, and the Pike County law enforcement offices. Legal representation for the government was provided by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah E. Seberger and Tanner K. Jacobs.
The prosecution was part of Project Safe Childhood, a Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse through collective efforts of federal, state, and local resources. Further details on Project Safe Childhood can be found at their official website.