PARKERSBURG, W.Va. — A West Virginia resident pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court to receiving more than 50 gigabytes of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), prosecutors said, a conviction that carries a mandatory minimum prison term and a lengthy potential sentence.
Federal plea follows online purchase of illicit material
Justin L. Wiegand of Kenova admitted that in December 2023 he used an instant messaging app to communicate with a user who offered options labeled "Cp," "Kids" and "Young Girls," according to court filings and statements made in court. Wiegand acknowledged ordering a package that included roughly 160 videos and links to four folders on a file-hosting service containing in excess of 50 gigabytes of CSAM.
Prosecutors said Wiegand paid $25 for the package through an online payments system. The material he received, he admitted, included images and videos that depicted minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, including adult males having sexual intercourse with prepubescent females.
“Sexual exploitation of children is one of the worst and most damaging crimes in our country,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Those who participate in these crimes damage lives, rob innocence, and create emotional wounds that last a lifetime.”
Charges, admitted acts and penalties
Wiegand entered a guilty plea to a federal count of receipt of child pornography. Under federal sentencing guidelines announced by prosecutors, he faces a statutory sentencing range with a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and a possible maximum of 40 years. He also faces between five years and life of supervised release and a potential fine of up to $250,000.
- Admitted to ordering and receiving approximately 160 videos and links to four folders of CSAM.
- Admitted the material totaled more than 50 gigabytes.
- Paid $25 for the material through an online payment system.
Wiegand is scheduled to be sentenced by a federal judge on Nov. 23, according to court records.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Justin L. Wiegand (Kenova) |
| Offense | Receipt of child sexual abuse material |
| Evidence | ~160 videos; links to 4 folders; >50 GB of CSAM |
| Payment | $25 via online payments system |
| Sentencing (scheduled) | Nov. 23 |
Prosecutorial message and community impact
The Justice Department emphasized its focus on identifying and prosecuting those who access and distribute CSAM, including through messaging apps and online file-hosting services. Assistant Attorney General Duva warned that prosecutions can target those who purchase, produce or distribute child sexual abuse material and noted that mandatory minimum penalties apply for repeat offenders.
Cases like this underscore how online platforms and digital payment services can be exploited to traffic in illegal material, officials say. Law enforcement agencies have increased efforts in recent years to track transactions and communications tied to CSAM, using digital forensics and cooperative investigations across jurisdictions.
What happens next
Before the Nov. 23 sentencing, federal probation officials will prepare a presentence report that typically details the defendant’s background, the nature of the offense and any applicable sentencing guidelines. The prosecution and defense may submit sentencing memoranda arguing for specific penalties; the judge will make the ultimate determination.
Anyone with information about the distribution or production of child sexual abuse material is encouraged to contact local law enforcement or the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, which operates a tipline used by law enforcement agencies nationwide. Community members can also report suspected child exploitation through federal channels, including the FBI and the Department of Justice.
The plea was announced by federal prosecutors and reported by WTAP. Additional court documents detail the admissions and scheduled sentencing date.
