Billy Gene Pinson, a 45-year-old man from Moses Lake, was sentenced on Mar. 19 to 35 years in prison for multiple counts related to the production and possession of child sexual abuse material, according to First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano. Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian also ordered a life term of supervised release, restitution of $3,000 for one victim, a $10,000 assessment under the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act, and forfeiture of electronic devices used in connection with the crimes.
Pinson pleaded guilty on October 15, 2025. The sentencing follows an extensive investigation that revealed he had raped and sexually abused eight children between February 2014 and October 2018 while already required to register as a sex offender from previous convictions in 1994 and 2013.
The case began in March 2019 when one minor victim disclosed abuse at Pinson’s residence. Further investigation led to additional victims coming forward and evidence being found on electronic devices belonging to Pinson. Authorities discovered printed photographs of child pornography along with other physical evidence linking him directly to the crimes.
“Crimes involving the sexual exploitation and abuse of minor children are the most reprehensible crimes,” said Serrano. “Pinson has proven over and over that he will harm a child he desires if given the chance, and the sentence today puts that to end. Our office is committed to working alongside our state and federal partners to seek justice for these victims, and I’m grateful for a sentence that removes Pinson from our community. My heart goes out to the victims and their families, but I hope the length of Pinson’s sentence helps them healing.”
Grant County Prosecuting Attorney Brandon Guernsey said: “This defendant’s actions caused devastating harm to multiple victims, and today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of those crimes... We appreciate the U.S. Attorney’s Office for taking on such a significant and challenging prosecution.” Captain Mike Williams from Moses Lake Police Department added: “While we are happy to close the book on the prosecution phase... we are reminded that there are eight victims whose lives were irrevocably changed by this criminal.”
Homeland Security Investigations Seattle Acting Special Agent in Charge April Miller said: “This substantial prison sentence removed Pinson from our community where he can never again groom, exploit or terrorize another child... HSI is unwavering in our mission to protect children...”
The case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood—a Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating child exploitation online—and involved cooperation between Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Moses Lake Police Department (MLPD), Grant County Prosecutor's Office, U.S. Attorneys’ Offices as well as Assistant United States Attorney Ann T. Wick.
