Jason R. Coody, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida
Austin Keith Hibbert, a 25-year-old resident of Tallahassee, Florida, has been sentenced to 11 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to several charges involving the attempted exploitation of a minor. The charges include attempting to entice or persuade a minor to engage in sexual activity, attempting to travel for illicit sexual conduct, and transferring obscene material to someone under 16.
According to court documents, between May 2023 and August 2024, Hibbert communicated almost daily with a 13-year-old child from Estonia through various social media platforms. The two initially met via an online game. Their conversations soon became sexual in nature. Hibbert informed the child that he planned to travel from the United States to Estonia for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity and sent more than twelve explicit videos.
In August 2024, law enforcement discovered that Hibbert had applied for a U.S. passport and booked an international flight from Tallahassee to Estonia. On August 12, officials intercepted him at Tallahassee International Airport as he attempted to board his flight. A search revealed items including his passport, a bracelet, and condoms—items authorities said indicated his intent. Further investigation of his electronic devices confirmed communications with the child and showed that he had reserved lodging near where the child lived.
U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin commented on the case: “This case was the result of incredible collaboration between our local, federal and international law enforcement partners to identify this sexual predator and stop him before he could victimize the minor child he was seeking to exploit. I am proud of the work of my office to build this successful prosecution and hold this offender accountable for his disgusting crimes.”
FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley added: “This case demonstrates the FBI’s global reach and unwavering commitment to protecting children everywhere,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley. “Through partnerships with our domestic and international counterparts, we were able to identify and stop Hibbert from crossing borders to sexually exploit a young child.”
Rait Pikaro, Head of Crime Bureau at North Prefecture for the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board stated: “Estonian Police and Border Guard Board is grateful to the FBI and the Northern District of Florida U.S. Attorney’s Office for great cooperation in this grave case,” said Rait Pikaro, Head of Crime Bureau, North Prefecture for the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board. “We strive to act as preventively as possible in Estonia and thanks to our U.S. colleagues, no [hands on] crime was committed in Estonia. This great example of cooperation shows that the fight against child sexual exploitation is truly global. We believe strongly that this is the way we can succeed in tackling this phenomenon.”
The investigation involved cooperation among multiple agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Tallahassee Police Department, and Estonian Police and Border Guard Agency.
The prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen.
This case falls under Project Safe Childhood—a national initiative started by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child exploitation through coordinated efforts across federal, state, and local levels.
More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
For additional details about public court documents or information regarding the United States Attorney’s Office for Northern District of Florida visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
