Joe Lewis, a 55-year-old resident of Hinds County, Mississippi, has been sentenced to 292 months in federal prison after being convicted on two counts of attempted production of child pornography. Upon completion of his prison term, Lewis will be subject to 10 years of supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender.
Court documents indicate that Lewis posed as a mentor to middle school-aged boys. He sent money to his victims using Cash App and then coerced them into exposing themselves during FaceTime sessions, which he recorded.
The investigation began when the mother of one victim reported suspicious activity involving her son receiving money from an older man through Cash App. The Jackson Police Department (JPD) initiated the inquiry and contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Jackson Office for assistance. Forensic analysis by the FBI uncovered evidence that Lewis had also distributed sexually explicit material to other young boys in the Jackson area. The FBI was able to identify additional minor victims during its investigation.
Baxter Kruger, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi, stated: “Those who hurt and endanger our children by committing these despicable crimes will not be tolerated and will be held accountable. This lengthy sentence ensures this defendant can never again hurt and abuse children. My office is committed to working with the FBI, Jackson Police Department, and other state and local law enforcement agencies to help protect children.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Rob Eikhoff commented: “Those who prey on minors shatter their innocence. Protecting children and holding vile predators, like Joe Lewis, accountable is one of the FBI’s highest priorities. FBI Jackson, the United States Attorney’s Office and the Jackson Police Department stand together to protect our children and ensure justice is served for all who seek to harm them.”
This prosecution was part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative started by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation online. The program brings together federal, state, and local resources to locate offenders and rescue victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Glenda R. Haynes prosecuted this case.
