A man from Kent, Washington, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for advertising child pornography. Michael Posey, aged 50, received the sentence in U.S. District Court in Portland and will also face seven years of supervised release following his imprisonment. Posey had entered a guilty plea on August 29, 2024.
Chief U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker highlighted the harm caused by communities involved in such activities, stating they "create a supply chain to satisfy the demand for this poison" and cause "generational emotional destruction on vulnerable members of our communities."
The investigation into Posey's activities began in early 2024 when Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents in Portland were monitoring a dark web site focused on child sexual abuse. The agents identified a profile belonging to Posey that served as a moderator responsible for approving posts. This profile contained a password allowing access to files and links shared by the user. Upon review, agents discovered postings dating back to December 2021, including one about a collection of 70 videos depicting child sexual abuse.
In April 2024, HSI executed a search warrant at Posey's residence where he admitted using the dark web profile and provided login details.
U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee commented on the case: “Mr. Posey helped to create and benefited from a marketplace predicated on vulnerable victims being abused.” She emphasized that distributing such material is not victimless as it involves real abuse and revictimization every time it is shared or viewed.
Special Agent Michael J. Krol from Homeland Security Investigations New England stated: “Posey used the dark web to advertise abhorrent images capturing the sexual abuse of children who were irreparably harmed in the productions.”
This case was part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation online.
For reporting incidents involving child pornography or seeking help after experiencing sexual assault or abuse, resources are available through various hotlines and websites including those managed by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
