A federal court sentenced Hunter William Bell, also known as “amWoos,” of Athens, Alabama, to 216 months in prison on April 30 for distributing and possessing child pornography. The sentence was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Catherine L. Crosby.
Bell, age 29, will serve a 20-year term of supervised release after his prison sentence. He pleaded guilty in December 2025 to charges related to the distribution and possession of child pornography.
“This sentence ensures yet another child predator has been removed from our community and can no longer pose a threat to our children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Catherine Crosby. “We are grateful for the dedicated work of our federal and state law enforcement partners in bringing this defendant to justice.”
David R. Fitzgibbons, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Birmingham, said: “This sentencing underscores the FBI’s dedication to seeking justice for our children. Along with our partners, we have ensured that one less predator is able to victimize the most innocent and vulnerable members of our community. We will continue to devote every available resource to identifying and stopping those who exploit our children.”
According to court documents, FBI agents executed a search warrant at an individual’s residence on August 16, 2024; evidence collected revealed that Bell exchanged child pornography via the Kik messenger application with another individual. An investigative lead was sent from the Oklahoma City Field Office (FBI OC) to Birmingham later that year; further investigation uncovered Bell's use of his Kik account for distribution purposes. On January 14, 2025, agents arrested Bell at his home where they seized an Apple iPhone containing more than six hundred images of child pornography.
The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama advances community safety through initiatives focused on public engagement according to the official website. The office includes facilities in Birmingham and Huntsville according to its official website, serves more than 2.8 million people across thirty-one counties according to its official website, prosecutes federal crimes and defends civil cases involving the United States according to its official website, collaborates with law enforcement agencies throughout its jurisdiction according to its official website, and is part of the U.S Department of Justice according to its official website.
If anyone suspects or becomes aware of possible sexual exploitation involving a minor they are encouraged by authorities—including local law enforcement—to contact officials or file reports online at www.cybertipline.org.
The case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood—a national initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 designed specifically against child sexual exploitation—which brings together resources from federal, state, and local agencies.
