Indiana resident convicted of repeated child sexual exploitation gets 44 years in prison

Sonny Dale Applegate, 27, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 44 years in federal prison for sexually exploiting a minor online. Applegate, who was already on probation for a previous child pornography conviction, used Snapchat to have explicit conversations and solicit sexually explicit images and videos from an 11-year-old in Missouri.

Despite strict probation restrictions, Applegate continued his predatory behavior. His probation officer discovered a hidden cell phone containing child abuse material, including content created by the victim and more than 600 other images and videos.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers emphasized the dangers of social media platforms for young children and the unwavering commitment of law enforcement to protect them from online predators. FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton echoed this sentiment, saying the sentence reflected the gravity of Applegate’s crimes.

The FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office, along with the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Marion County Probation and the FBI’s Kansas City Field Office, worked together on the investigation. Applegate will also pay $10,000 in restitution and must register as a sex offender.

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