Kasey James Caudill, a 29-year-old from Melbourne, was sentenced to life in federal prison after pleading guilty to coercing and enticing minors to engage in sexual activity, according to an April 28 announcement by United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. U.S. District Judge Anne-Leigh Gaylord Moe issued the sentence.
Court documents show that in August 2024, Caudill persuaded two minors located in the Philippines to produce child sexual abuse material. He sent money via PayPal to the children's caregiver in exchange for videos and images of her children, who were ages seven and twelve.
"Those who target, exploit, and abuse children should know that we will leave no stone unturned to bring them to justice," said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. "I applaud our law enforcement partners for their diligence and cooperation in investigating this case beyond our borders."
Tim Hemker, Homeland Security Investigations Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge, said: "Protecting children from exploitation is a sacred duty, and it is through unwavering collaboration, determination, and courage that law enforcement agencies across the globe are able to locate and rescue victims of these heinous crimes from monsters and bring them to justice." Hemker added: "This level of accountability demonstrates the power of partnership and the relentless commitment of HSI Orlando, HSI Manilla, HSI Portland (Maine), and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office to safeguard the most vulnerable members of our communities."
The investigation involved Homeland Security Investigations as well as local authorities including the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Department of Corrections Probation and Parole. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Kaley Austin-Aronson and Patrick Flanigan.
This case was part of Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006—to combat child sexual exploitation using resources at federal, state, and local levels.
