A San Angelo man has been sentenced to 245 years in federal prison for sextorting minors and an adult across the United States. Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Nancy E. Larson, announced the sentencing.
Juelz Sincere Armstead, 21, was found guilty by a Lubbock jury in April 2025 on multiple charges including production and attempted production of child pornography and cyberstalking. He received his sentence on July 15, 2025, from United States District Judge James Wesley Hendrix.
“The horrendous acts against each victim in this case warranted the substantial sentence imposed here,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy E. Larson. “We hope that the lengthy incarceration of this defendant will assist the victims as they continue in the healing process and serve as a warning to like-minded predators that we will pursue swift justice and extensive punishment for these types of despicable crimes.”
“This sentence reflects the unspeakable harm Juel Armstead inflicted on innocent victims and the tireless commitment of law enforcement to bring predators like him to justice,” stated HSI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard.
Evidence presented at trial revealed that over three years, Armstead met his victims through social media platforms, coercing them into sending sexually explicit content under threat of exposure if they did not comply with his demands.
The Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office initially arrested Armstead in December 2022 for his conduct. After his release from jail, he continued his activities until a second arrest in February 2024.
Victims testified about their experiences during the trial, detailing emotional trauma caused by Armstead's threats and manipulation. Graphic evidence was also presented at trial.
Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Mike Baker testified at sentencing about additional victims too traumatized to attend trial.
Judge Hendrix described Armstead’s actions as “repeat, incessant terrorizing” without mercy and emphasized public protection as paramount.
The investigation was led by Homeland Security Investigations—Abilene Office with assistance from various local and federal agencies across several states.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Callie Woolam and Stephen Rancourt prosecuted the case with support from victim-witness coordinators Kelsea Martin and others.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice to combat child sexual exploitation nationwide.
