A Booneville, Mississippi resident, Austin Thompson, was sentenced to five years in federal prison for distributing child sexual abuse material. Court documents show that the 21-year-old used an internet application to share sexually explicit images and videos involving minors as young as eight years old. Authorities identified Thompson as the account owner through previous law enforcement contact related to trafficking child pornography.
“People who have a sexual interest in children do not belong in society, they belong in prison,” said United States Attorney Clay Joyner. “Thanks to exemplary teamwork by the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, the FBI, and AUSA Parker King, another criminal who views kids as sex objects is behind bars.”
Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jackson Field Office Robert Eikhoff commented on the impact of these crimes: “Each time child pornography is exchanged over the internet, children are re-victimized. The FBI’s work with its partners to stop Austin Thompson’s calculated, deliberate efforts to distribute sexual abuse material and this sentencing demonstrate our resolute commitment to preventing future harm. The FBI has a great resolve to pursue justice for the predators who seek to exploit the youth of our communities and stands firm with the USAO, Mississippi AGO, and Prentiss County Sheriff’s Department in protecting our most vulnerable population - our children."
Attorney General Lynn Fitch emphasized ongoing collaborative efforts: “While this conviction does not turn back the clock, it prevents this predator from inflicting more harm. I appreciate the strong partnership our office has with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI. Together, we are dedicated to serving justice for the victims and making Mississippi a safer place for everyone.”
The case was investigated by both the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Parker S. King prosecuted Thompson under Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative aimed at combating child exploitation online. This program brings together federal, state, and local resources to locate offenders and rescue victims of online child exploitation. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
