David Jamal Watson, 40, of Fort Washington, Maryland, has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for sexually exploiting two children and producing child sexual abuse material. U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis also ordered Watson to serve 15 years of supervised release after his prison term. Upon release, Watson will be required to register as a sex offender wherever he lives, works, or studies under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
The sentencing was announced by Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland; Acting Special Agent in Charge Evan Campanella of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Baltimore; and Colonel Roland L. Butler, Jr., Superintendent of the Maryland State Police (MSP).
According to court documents, between September and October 2023, Watson exploited two children aged 9 and 13 by producing, distributing, and attempting to sell child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). He used online platforms including Telegram, Instagram, Twitter, and Google to store and distribute CSAM involving his victims as well as other children.
In July 2023, the Maryland Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that a Google user had uploaded 51 files suspected to be CSAM between October 2022 and July 2023. Investigators traced these uploads to an IP address linked to Watson’s residence in Fort Washington.
Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Watson’s home in October 2023. During an interview with MSP officers on site, Watson admitted viewing, retaining, and distributing CSAM. Officers seized five devices from the basement bedroom where he was staying.
A forensic analysis uncovered more than 600 images depicting child sexual abuse on Watson’s devices. The images included nude photos and videos of both his victims and other children. Authorities also found messages on Telegram where Watson discussed charging money for nude images of his victims.
Watson was arrested at his home in November 2023 on a federal warrant. In an interview following his arrest, he admitted recording nude images of his victims at his residence. A search warrant for his Instagram account revealed further attempts to sell CSAM depicting his victims to multiple users.
The case is part of Project Safe Childhood—a Department of Justice initiative launched in May 2006—to address child sexual exploitation by coordinating efforts among federal, state, and local agencies nationwide (https://www.justice.gov/psc). Project Safe Childhood focuses on locating offenders who exploit children online as well as rescuing victims.
"U.S. Attorney Hayes commended HSI and the MSP for their work in the investigation." "Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan S. McKoy who prosecuted the case."
For more information about Project Safe Childhood or internet safety education resources visit https://www.justice.gov/psc/resources or learn about the priorities of the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office at https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
