Red Bluff man sentenced to 30 years in prison for producing child abuse material and attempted murder

Sean E. Karjala, a 53-year-old from Red Bluff, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison and lifetime supervised release after being convicted of creating child abuse material, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert confirmed. According to a press release on the U.S. Attorney’s Office website, Karjala will serve the sentence concurrently with a state sentence for attempted murder.

In a disturbing revelation, court documents detail how Karjala began an illicit sexual relationship with an underage female who responded to an online ad in 2013. Karjala manipulated the girl into abusing and performing sexual acts with another woman, documenting the act with photos on his cell phone. He also brazenly attempted to entice another minor into sexual activity, unknowingly communicating with an undercover police officer.

The subsequent investigation led to a search of Karjala’s residence and vehicle, where evidence including sexual bondage equipment, clothing for younger women, and a photograph of Karjala with the victim were discovered. Additionally, an incriminating bag containing a bondage manual, condoms, and a note from a local high school counseling service with the victim’s name was found in Karjala’s vehicle.

Prosecutors Heiko P. Coppola and Roger Yang successfully presented evidence against Karjala. The case was part of Project Safe Childhood, a DOJ initiative aimed at addressing child sexual abuse and exploitation. The program helps federal, state, and local agencies bring offenders to justice, with an emphasis on victim rehabilitation and prevention.