An investigation by Homeland Security Investigations resulted in the conviction of four men for their involvement in an online child exploitation network.
Christopher William Kuehner, 38, of Bremerton, Wash.; Jacob Royce Mullins, 20, of South Webster, Ohio; Kyle William Leishear, 43, of Bayonet Point, Fla.; and Matthew Martin, 25, of Lancaster, Wis., were members of the internet website called Rapey.su from September to December 2020, according to a Jan. 25 news release.
“They shamefully targeted the most vulnerable members of our community for their own perverse desires," Acting Special Agent in Charge Derek W. Gordon said. "Protecting children from abuse and holding those individuals who would victimize minors accountable is something HSI Washington, D.C. remains passionate about. We are always watching closely for indicators of child exploitation throughout our communities.”
The website included child sexual exploitation among its topics of interest, the release reported. Keuhner reportedly repeatedly "induced and enticed minor girls to produce child sexual abuse material for both him and the other members of the website."
The four men each face mandatory minimum sentences of 20 years in prison when sentenced, the release reported. Kuehner, Mullins and Martin will be sentenced April 25, and Leishear will be sentenced May 9.
"The actions of the four defendants in this case are nothing short of reprehensible,” Gorden added, according to the release.
