Linn County man pleads guilty to sexual exploitation of a child in St. Louis federal court

A Missouri man has pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a child after recording himself having sexual contact with a 10-year-old girl. Russell Alan Pirkey, 54, of Linn County, admitted his guilt during proceedings in U.S. District Court in St. Louis on a charge that carries a significant mandatory minimum sentence.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Pirkey used his cell phone to document the unlawful contact. The incident came to light on April 8, 2023, after concerns about his behavior towards the victim were reported to Brookfield police. Following an investigation led by local law enforcement authorities and the FBI, several electronic devices, including a cell phone, a tablet and storage devices, were seized and are now subject to forfeiture.

Project Safe Childhood, a national initiative led by the Department of Justice, includes this case. The program’s purpose is to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse and includes collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies to identify and prosecute perpetrators and identify and rescue victims.

Pirkey now faces a sentencing date set for January 14, 2025. The sexual exploitation of a child charge carries a mandatory minimum term of 15 years, with a possible prison sentence of up to 30 years. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan Chapman, who is prosecuting a case, emphasized the seriousness of the crime and the concerted efforts of law enforcement to bring such perpetrators to justice.