Anthony Westemeyer, a 37-year-old from Nebo, Illinois, received a 30-year prison sentence for sexual exploitation of a child, as adjudicated on April 9, 2025, in Springfield, Illinois. His imprisonment will be followed by five years of supervised release.
During the sentencing, it was revealed that Westemeyer created an abusive environment, coercing a minor into sexual acts and recording them through threats of violence. He also involved other men in these acts with the promise of compensation; some were aware of being filmed, whereas others were not. Evidence showed that Westemeyer used methamphetamine as a tool to lure others or reward them for participating in the exploitation, including the minor.
U.S. District Judge Colleen R. Lawless noted Westemeyer's role as a leader in the criminal activities and acknowledged the severity of his actions, referencing the "level of cruelty and abuse" endured by the victim and mentioning the "heinous nature" of the crimes.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Seberger stated, "This case highlights that many children are victimized by someone known to them. I applaud the victim’s resilience and courage throughout this prosecution. We are also grateful for our partnerships with state and local law, enforcement, which led to this outcome. It was a team effort."
Special Agent in Charge Matthew Scarpino of ICE Homeland Security Investigations said, "Children should never be subjected to the depraved behavior demonstrated by this defendant. Thanks to the outstanding teamwork and tireless effort by HSI special agents and our law enforcement partners, this child predator has been removed from the community and put in federal prison for a 30-year sentence."
Westemeyer had pleaded guilty in July 2024 and remained in detention since his arrest. The statutory penalties for sexual exploitation of a child range from 15 to 30 years of imprisonment, along with lifetime supervised release, and possible fines up to $250,000.
The investigation involved agencies such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, the Pike County Sheriff’s Office, and the Pike County State’s Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah E. Seberger and Tanner K. Jacobs were responsible for prosecuting the case.
This prosecution occurred under Project Safe Childhood, a Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse through collaboration among federal, state, and local resources.
