New Orleans man pleads guilty in child sextortion case involving multiple victims

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Michael M Simpson Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana | Department of Justice

New Orleans man pleads guilty in child sextortion case involving multiple victims

A New Orleans man has pleaded guilty to producing sexually explicit images of children as young as seven years old, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson. Cole Diggs, also known as Kevon Godson, age 31, entered his plea on August 28, 2025 before United States District Judge Barry W. Ashe.

Court documents show that between November 2021 and December 2022, Diggs used a multimedia instant messaging application to contact at least six minors ranging in age from seven to fifteen years old. Authorities say Diggs pretended to be a minor, sent sexually explicit images of adults, and engaged in sexually charged conversations with the victims. He directed the minors on how to pose for sexually explicit photos and videos and used extortion tactics when they hesitated or refused to comply.

Prosecutors allege that Diggs not only obtained these images through coercion but also bought, sold, and traded sexually explicit depictions of minors, including some he had acquired through his scheme.

Diggs faces a mandatory minimum sentence of fifteen years in prison and could receive up to thirty years. He may also face supervised release for at least five years and up to life, a fine of up to $250,000, a $100 special assessment fee, and sex offender registration requirements. Sentencing is set for December 4, 2025.

"This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov," according to the press release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson credited the Federal Bureau of Investigation with investigating this case. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg is leading the prosecution.