Stephen Christopher Young, a 58-year-old resident of Gainesville, Florida, has been sentenced to 121 months in prison for the receipt and attempted receipt of child pornography. This announcement was made by Michelle Spaven, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“Crimes against children are unacceptable,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Spaven. She emphasized that those involved in viewing and maintaining child pornography contribute to the abuse perpetrated by those who produce and profit from such illegal content. The commitment to prosecuting these offenders remains firm.
In March 2024, a federal search warrant was executed at Young’s residence, revealing his involvement in exchanging child pornography through various encrypted applications designed to avoid detection.
Following his prison term, Young will be subject to lifetime supervised release. He has also been ordered to pay $20,500 in restitution and must register as a sex offender under all applicable conditions.
“It’s crucial to prioritize the protection of children from sexual abuse,” said Alachua County Sheriff Chad Scott.
The investigation was conducted by the Internet Crime Against Children Task Force Gainesville Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Meredith Steer and Adam Hapner prosecuted the case.
“This case is another example of the FBI's relentless commitment to protecting children by removing predators from our community,” commented Jason Carley, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville. He added that this should serve as a warning to others who prey on vulnerable children; efforts will persist in identifying and holding them accountable.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide. It leverages federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals exploiting children online while also identifying and rescuing victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one among 94 offices serving as principal litigators under the Attorney General's direction. Public court documents can be accessed via the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. Additional details about this office are available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.