High Springs Man Receives Federal Prison Term for Distribution of Child Pornography

GAINESVILLE ‒ A High Springs man has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to distributing child sexual abuse material, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida announced this week.

Jon Walter Crawford, 36, received the sentence following a joint investigation by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations. Homeland Security Investigations determined that Crawford possessed over one thousand files of videos and images depicting the sexual abuse of children.

The case began when the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Deputies identified Crawford and confirmed his involvement in both possession and distribution. Federal agents later determined the full extent of the material in his possession.

Alachua County Sheriff Chad D. Scott commended the work of investigators, noting that the persistence of his detectives and their collaboration with federal partners were critical to the outcome of the case. He said the investigation reflects the agency’s commitment to protecting children and sending a clear message that those who seek to exploit minors will be found and prosecuted. “Let this serve as a clear message: anyone who seeks to exploit or harm children will be found, held accountable and delivered into the arms of justice. The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office will continue to use every available resource to ensure these predators are stopped and that our community’s children are safe,” said Scott.

Officials stressed that the conviction was the result of strong cooperation between local and federal agencies. Homeland Security Investigations emphasized that individuals who collect such material contribute to ongoing abuse.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason R. Coody prosecuted the case.

The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin, who said protecting children from exploitation is among his office’s highest priorities.

Crawford’s prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat child exploitation and abuse. The program brings together federal, state and local agencies to track down and prosecute offenders while also working to identify and rescue victims

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