Smith’s Creek couple sentenced to 50 years in federal court for child sex abuse

Two men who recorded themselves sexually abusing children were sentenced to 50 years in prison by a federal court on Wednesday.

Austin Sabb-Visga, 30, and Todd Sabb-Visga, 48, who previously owned a riding stable in Kimball Township, were previously sentenced in St. Clair County Circuit Court, also to a minimum of 50 years in prison. The sentences will be served concurrently.

In federal court, the couple pleaded guilty to three charges: two counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of children.

“These sentences should send a strong message to these defendants and others like them who exploit our children behind closed doors and online,” U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison said in a statement after the sentencings. “For those who refuse to heed this message, we will be looking for you everywhere.”

More: Former riding school owners sentenced to at least 50 years in prison for child sexual abuse

The couple was arrested in June 2023 after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a cybertip from someone who said the couple had shared a video on social media showing them sexually abusing a child.

Michigan State Police and the U.S. Secret Service obtained a search warrant and found more than 600 videos of child pornography on the couple’s property, as well as approximately 300 photographs. At least 35 of the videos found appeared to have been taken by Austin and Todd Sabb-Visga.

Court documents show that police identified four victims based on the contents.

Federal prosecutors had asked the court to sentence the couple to 60 years in prison, citing the extreme trauma inflicted on the victims.

“The Sabb-Visgas’ crimes require a sentence that reflects the widespread abuse and horrific, ongoing nature of their crimes,” a sentencing memorandum filed at the sentencing reads. “They are among the most culpable sex offenders; a fact that outweighs any positive personal characteristics. The Sabb-Visgas participated in the despicable child pornography market as both producers and consumers.”

A memorandum from defense attorney Mark Satawa, who represented Austin Sabb-Visga, asked the court to consider a 40-year prison sentence. He said Austin Sabb-Visga had grown up in an abusive household and had suffered from a variety of mental illnesses and substance abuse.

Letters from Austin Sabb-Visga’s family to the court state that Austin Sabb-Visga’s behavior appeared to change in 2022, when he allegedly first began producing child pornography. Family members wrote that they later learned he had also begun using methamphetamine during this time and that they believe his substance abuse influenced his actions.

“Mr. Sabb-Visga is a true first-time offender, with no criminal history whatsoever, not even prior to arrests,” Satawa wrote in his memorandum.

Austin Sabb-Visga wrote an apology to the court, which he said was prompted by reading the victims’ victim impact statements.

“I was ashamed of what I did,” Austin Sabb-Visga wrote in his apology. “I have no excuses. I did what I did. I take full responsibility for myself and my actions. I would not blame this on anyone else. I’m sorry it happened. And that I hurt people.”

There was no memorandum attached for Todd Sabb-Visga’s defense.

Contact Johnathan Hogan at [email protected].