A man from Crownpoint, New Mexico, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to charges related to child pornography. Blayne Ashley, 36, admitted to receiving and possessing hundreds of images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of young children.
Federal authorities said there is no parole in the federal system.
The case began with an FBI investigation into a convicted sex offender who was distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and attempting to engage in sexual acts with minors. During this investigation, agents identified Ashley as someone exchanging CSAM and engaging in explicit online discussions about exploiting children. According to court records, Ashley sent multiple images of CSAM involving victims as young as four to nine years old and discussed his intent to engage in sexual activity with minors, including offering access to an underage relative.
Further investigation revealed that Ashley communicated with several individuals about child exploitation using platforms such as Facebook, Discord, Kik, and others. In one instance, he posed as an adult woman with a young daughter while discussing ways to sexually abuse a child.
On June 7, 2024, FBI agents executed a search warrant at Ashley's home in Crownpoint. He initially gave agents a false name. A forensic examination of his cellphone uncovered 77 confirmed images and 23 videos of CSAM featuring children between three and eight years old. Authorities also found hundreds of additional images and videos where the ages were difficult to determine.
Ashley pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography. After serving his prison sentence, he will be subject to five years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison stated: "Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today."
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse Pecoraro prosecuted the case under Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative started by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child exploitation through coordinated efforts among federal, state, and local agencies. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at Justice.gov/PSC.
