U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg | U.S. Department of Justice
Austin Adams, a 32-year-old resident of Jacksonville, has been sentenced to three years in federal prison for possessing child sexual abuse material. The sentence was handed down by Senior United States District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan following Adams' guilty plea on September 24, 2024. After serving his prison term, Adams will undergo 10 years of supervised release and must register as a sexual offender.
Court documents reveal that on March 20, 2024, Adams used cryptocurrency to purchase child sexual abuse material online, spending nearly $1,000. This led to the closure of the website distributing such content. Law enforcement's investigation into Adams' transactions prompted a search of his home. A forensic examination of his cell phone uncovered multiple images and videos containing child sexual abuse material, some exceeding 45 minutes in duration.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation into this case. Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. The project involves collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies to apprehend and prosecute those who exploit children while working to identify and rescue victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.
