Jason R. Coody, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida
Edward G. Winn, a 47-year-old inmate at Okaloosa Correctional Institution in Florida, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of distribution, receipt, and possession of child pornography. The announcement was made by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Winn appeared for arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee. His jury trial is scheduled to begin on February 24, 2026, before Chief District Judge Allen C. Winsor.
If found guilty, Winn faces mandatory minimum sentences of 15 years and up to 40 years in prison for both the distribution and receipt charges. The possession charge carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years.
The investigation into Winn’s alleged activities was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Florida Department of Corrections-Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen is prosecuting the case.
“An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial,” according to the press release.
This prosecution falls under Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse through coordinated efforts among federal, state, and local agencies. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida serves as one of 94 offices representing the nation as principal litigators under guidance from the Attorney General. Public court documents related to this case can be accessed via the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. Additional details about the office are available at https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
