Virginia man convicted of distributing ‘horrific images of child sexual abuse’: federal government

Dustin Roy Harrell, 39, of Virginia Beach, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for distributing child pornography (CSAM) during a grisly investigation that uncovered “horrific” findings.

According to court documents, in October 2023, Harrell distributed CSAM to a group via a messaging app with end-to-end encryption that keeps communications private. The app included a link to a Mega.nz account within the private channel that allowed users to download a video showing the sexual abuse of a newborn baby.

During the investigation, police seized multiple devices from Harrell, including three cell phones, and found 267 images, 32 computer-generated images, and five videos depicting child sexual abuse.

Investigators say one of the phones contained conversations in which Harrell discussed topics including child pornography and incest. He was also involved in online groups called “Cute Teens 16-19,” “Uncensored Teens,” Family Maza Incst,” and more.

“This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.”

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