A Kenduskeag resident, Justin Leonard, 24, was sentenced to 27 years in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release after being convicted on two counts of producing child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography. The sentencing took place in U.S. District Court in Bangor before Judge Stacy D. Neumann. Leonard was also ordered to pay $20,000 each to two minor victims.
The investigation began in February 2024 when Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) executed a search warrant at Leonard’s home following a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. During the search, Leonard provided access to a hidden folder on his cell phone that contained multiple sexually explicit images and videos involving two very young children. He admitted to creating this material, and the parents confirmed their children's identities as the victims.
Further forensic analysis revealed Facebook messages where Leonard expressed an interest in children and sought ways to acquire them. Additionally, investigators found evidence in his phone's browser history indicating searches about Rohypnol—commonly known as “roofies”—and inquiries about drugs that could render someone unconscious.
In delivering the sentence, Judge Neumann stated that Leonard’s actions represented the “most heinous offense than can be committed,” adding: “not only did [Leonard] commit the act, [he] documented it.”
The case was investigated by HSI and the Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit.
Child sexual abuse material continues to be a significant issue nationwide. In 2023 alone, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children received 36 million reports related to possession, manufacture or distribution of such materials. Reports can be made at https://report.cybertip.org or by calling 1-800-843-5678.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation online by coordinating efforts among federal, state and local agencies. More information about Project Safe Childhood is available at https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/psc.
