Andrew Eric Childs, age 41, of Apex, North Carolina, was sentenced on July 16 to 216 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release for distribution of child sexual abuse material and production of an “animal crush” video. Childs was also ordered to pay $24,800 in restitution to the victims. He pleaded guilty to the charges on April 7.
According to court records, Childs possessed and distributed child sexual abuse material and produced a video depicting his sexual abuse of a dog. At the time of his arrest, Childs worked for Durham Emergency Medical Services; however, the crimes were not connected to his employment.
Dan Bishop, United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina, made the announcement regarding the sentencing.
The case was investigated by the FBI Charlotte Field Office (Raleigh Resident Agency) and the Durham Police Department, with assistance from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Assistant United States Attorney Karla Painter prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. The project coordinates federal, state, and local resources to locate offenders who exploit children online as well as identify and rescue victims.