Darren Ringenberg, a 30-year-old resident of Louisville, Kentucky, has been sentenced to 45 years in federal prison. This sentence comes after his conviction on two counts of sexual exploitation of a child while being required to register as a sex offender. Following his prison term, Ringenberg will undergo ten years of supervised release.
Court documents reveal that in 2019, Ringenberg was convicted in Kentucky on twenty counts related to the possession of material depicting a sexual performance by a minor. This conviction mandated him to register as a sex offender for life.
In June 2023, after his release from the previous offense, Ringenberg used the Snapchat username “devil_hell6969” to communicate with a nine-year-old girl from Monroe County, Indiana. He coerced her into sending sexually explicit images and videos by threatening to hack her social media accounts and remove her friends if she did not comply. During these interactions, he directed her on how to take the photos and suggested they could meet in person later. Ringenberg falsely claimed he was sixteen years old and secretly recorded many images and conversations.
A tip regarding his online activities led law enforcement to conduct authorized searches of Ringenberg’s Snapchat account and residence in Louisville. Investigators discovered numerous text messages between him and various unidentified minors, including the nine-year-old girl. His cell phone contained many screen recordings from Snapchat involving minor victims engaged in sexually explicit acts.
John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, stated: “Sex offenders often use manipulation and threats to sexually exploit children with utter disregard for the lasting trauma they inflict." He emphasized the importance for parents and guardians to discuss online activities with children and ensure they have trusted adults for support.
FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley commented: “This case is a tragic reminder that with today’s technology, predators can reach across state lines with a few clicks." He noted that despite geographical distances failing to protect this child from harm, justice was served against the offender.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Bloomington Police Department. Chief U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt imposed the sentence. Assistant U.S. Attorney MaryAnn T. Mindrum prosecuted the case.
This prosecution falls under Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse through collaboration among federal, state, and local resources.
Victims of child sexual exploitation are encouraged to contact their local police department for assistance or visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdin/project-safe-childhood for resources.
