Jason Milano, 59, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison and a lifetime of supervised release after pleading guilty to possession of child sexual abuse material and attempted destruction of property to prevent search or seizure, according to a July 30 statement from the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana.
Court documents show that Milano is a repeat sex offender with two prior federal convictions related to child sexual abuse crimes. In 2010, he was convicted on several counts involving conspiracy to advertise and distribute child sexual abuse material and served ten years in prison followed by supervised release. During his incarceration, Milano committed five disciplinary violations.
In 2021, while under supervision for previous offenses, Milano was found using an unapproved smartphone to access illegal material and communicate with other offenders. He received an additional three-year sentence and continued lifetime supervision. By January 2025, during his second term of supervised release—which allowed probation officers to search any electronic devices—Milano provided officers with both an approved phone missing its SIM card and an unapproved device with internet access. Forensic analysis confirmed both contained at least ten files depicting child sexual abuse. Investigators later discovered another unapproved device in his hotel room containing similar material. Authorities also recovered emails showing Milano tried resetting one phone as investigators seized it.
The U.S. Secret Service investigated the case; sentencing was imposed by U.S. District Judge James P. Hanlon.
“Milano remains a serious danger to children, undeterred by his past encounters with the criminal justice system. His repeated violations show no remorse and no desire to change his ways. The children of our community are much safer with his removal via this lengthy sentence,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “This case underscores the essential work of our federal probation officers, whose vigilance and thorough oversight were key to uncovering Milano’s latest offenses…investigators were able to intervene early despite Milano’s attempts to destroy incriminating evidence,” said Wheeler. Special Agent in Charge Ike Barnes added, “This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers sexual predators…pose…every day…Thanks to our partners including federal probation, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their outstanding work.” Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Eakman and Kyle Sawa prosecuted this case.
The prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child exploitation online through coordinated efforts among federal prosecutors like those from the Southern District office who oversee operations across southern Indiana counties; prosecute federal crimes; defend government interests; collaborate with law enforcement agencies; maintain offices in Evansville and Indianapolis; cover four divisions within sixty counties; serve as chief law enforcement officials under Department guidelines—all according to information from the official website.