A Kentucky man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for child pornography charges.
Corey Allen Stephens, 31, was found guilty of producing, distributing, receiving and possessing child pornography, according to a March 14 news release. Homeland Security Investigations, Nashville, led the investigation, with the assistance of HSI Nashville, HSI Bowling Green, HSI Chattanooga and Kentucky State Police.
“I appreciate the exceptional work of HSI, KSP and [Assistant U.S. Attorney Madison] Sewell in this case,” U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett said in the release. “Protecting the children of the Western District from predators like the defendant is a top priority of this office. We remain vigilant and will continue to investigate and aggressively prosecute those who seek to sexually exploit our children.”
Stephens reportedly used social media to chat with other people, the release reported. While chatting, he posted an image of his sexual abuse of a toddler, claiming it is not the first time he's done it. HSI Chattanooga traced the chat and photo to Stephens' home where they discovered more evidence of child sexual abuse offenses.
“The significant sentence imposed on Corey Stephens sends a clear message that there are serious consequences for those who exploit the most vulnerable members of our society — our children. Stephens will serve 20 years in federal prison for his incomprehensible acts,” HSI Nashville Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud said in the release. “HSI remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to aggressively pursue predators who traumatize and victimize children and maintain our vigilance to bring them to justice.”
Stephens was also ordered to make a $3,000 compensation payment to the victim in addition to the 20-year prison term, the release reported. Stephens also faces a lifetime term of supervised release.
HSI investigates transnational crime and threats, particularly "organizations that exploit the global infrastructure through which international trade, travel and finance move," the release reported.