A Palmer resident, Jesse Damon, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison with a subsequent life term of supervised release for attempting to produce child sexual abuse materials. The incident involved hiding a cell phone in the family bathroom of a local supermarket to secretly record individuals.
Court documents reveal that Damon, aged 35, concealed a cell phone and an external battery pack behind a vent in the supermarket's bathroom. His actions were uncovered when an employee noticed the loose vent cover and discovered the device. The phone's video recording application was activated, capturing footage of Damon while he hid the phone. Supermarket staff then ensured surveillance cameras recorded Damon as he tried to retrieve his hidden device and alerted law enforcement.
Upon returning to the supermarket, Damon was approached by law enforcement officials. A search warrant for his electronic devices revealed that between May 21-24, 2022, he had secretly recorded numerous individuals, primarily adults. Among those captured were two children under 12 years old. The investigation further disclosed Damon's involvement in receiving and distributing images depicting child sexual abuse via digital platforms such as Kik, Dropbox, and Mega Link.
Damon's arrest occurred while he was under supervision for a previous conviction related to possession of child pornography.
During sentencing proceedings, the court acknowledged the victims' bravery and emphasized Damon's threat to public safety due to his repeated offenses.
"Mr. Damon is a repeat offender who presented an escalating danger to our community," stated U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. Tucker praised the quick response of supermarket employees which significantly contributed to Damon's apprehension and prosecution by both the FBI and Palmer Police Department.
The case was investigated by the FBI Anchorage Field Office and Palmer Police Department with support from the U.S. Marshals Service and Federal Probation Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Alexander led the prosecution efforts.
This case falls under Project Safe Childhood, an initiative started in May 2006 by the Department of Justice aimed at addressing child sexual exploitation and abuse through collaboration among federal, state, and local resources.
For more details on Project Safe Childhood, visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
