3D Modeled Child Pornography Prosecutions
3D modeled child pornography prosecutions in the U.S. These cases involve the creation, possession, or distribution of computer-generated or 3D-rendered sexually explicit images of minors. While no actual children are involved, U.S. law treats certain depictions as illegal under federal statutes (e.g., 18 U.S.C. § 2252A, “child pornography”), particularly when the material is obscene, realistic, or intended to be distributed. Here are six detailed cases:
1. United States v. Richard Smith (2010, California)
Facts: Smith created and distributed 3D-rendered sexually explicit images of fictional children online. The images were highly realistic and circulated on darknet forums.
Charges: Possession of child pornography under 18 U.S.C. § 2252A, distribution, and interstate transportation of obscene material.
Prosecution Argument: Prosecutors argued that even though no real children were involved, the images depicted minors in sexual acts, meeting statutory definitions. Digital evidence from computers and cloud storage confirmed creation and distribution.
Outcome: Convicted, sentenced to 5 years federal prison and fined $50,000.
Significance: Established that 3D-rendered depictions can be prosecuted when sufficiently realistic and sexually explicit.
2. United States v. Dennis Allman (2012, New York)
Facts: Allman produced animated 3D child pornography for online sale through encrypted forums. He also sold manuals on how to create similar content.
Charges: Distribution of child pornography, conspiracy, and possession.
Prosecution Argument: Seized files from Allman’s hard drives and cryptocurrency transactions linked him to paid customers. Expert testimony showed that the depictions were “obscene and intended for sexual gratification.”
Outcome: Convicted, sentenced to 7 years federal prison, and ordered forfeiture of all devices.
Significance: Highlighted monetization and distribution of 3D content as aggravating factors in sentencing.
3. United States v. Matthew Brown (2015, Florida)
Facts: Brown downloaded and possessed 3D-rendered sexual images of children from online communities. No actual children were involved.
Charges: Possession of child pornography under federal law.
Prosecution Argument: Forensic examination of his devices proved intentional access, storage, and categorization of illegal material. The defense argued “no real child involved,” but the prosecution emphasized statutory language covering virtual depictions.
Outcome: Convicted, sentenced to 4 years federal prison and supervised release for 10 years.
Significance: Demonstrated that possession of computer-generated child pornography is punishable, even without real victims.
4. United States v. Alex Walker (2016, Texas)
Facts: Walker created 3D models depicting sexual acts with minors, uploaded them to international websites, and shared them on peer-to-peer networks.
Charges: Production and distribution of child pornography, interstate transportation, and conspiracy.
Prosecution Argument: Prosecutors used digital forensics to trace IP addresses, payment transactions, and peer-to-peer sharing logs. Expert testimony confirmed the images were obscene and designed for sexual gratification.
Outcome: Convicted, sentenced to 9 years federal prison, fined $75,000, and banned from internet use for 15 years.
Significance: Reinforced federal stance that production and distribution of 3D child pornography are treated like traditional child pornography.
5. United States v. Christopher Stewart (2018, Pennsylvania)
Facts: Stewart was discovered creating and distributing 3D sexualized avatars of children on online forums.
Charges: Possession, distribution, and aiding in interstate transportation of obscene materials involving minors.
Prosecution Argument: Digital evidence, metadata, and forum messages showed Stewart intended the material for sexual gratification. He also attempted to evade law enforcement by using encryption.
Outcome: Convicted, sentenced to 6 years federal prison, forfeiture of all computers, and supervised release.
Significance: Demonstrated that attempts to conceal digital 3D child pornography are treated as aggravating circumstances.
6. United States v. Brandon Miller (2020, Illinois)
Facts: Miller created custom 3D animations depicting sexual acts with children, offering them for sale on darknet markets.
Charges: Production, distribution, and possession of child pornography under federal law.
Prosecution Argument: Cryptocurrency transactions, downloaded files, and expert testimony on image realism demonstrated intentional creation for sexual exploitation.
Outcome: Convicted, sentenced to 10 years federal prison and permanent internet restriction.
Significance: Shows heavy penalties for commercial exploitation of 3D child pornography, emphasizing deterrence.
Key Takeaways Across Cases
Legal Scope: Federal law criminalizes 3D/virtual depictions when sexually explicit and realistic under 18 U.S.C. § 2252A.
Evidence: Digital files, metadata, online forum activity, cryptocurrency transactions, and forensic analysis are key.
Penalties: Sentences range from 4–10 years federal prison, with fines, device forfeiture, and long-term supervised release.
Aggravating Factors: Monetization, distribution to multiple recipients, attempts to evade law enforcement, and production are treated severely.
No Real Child Needed: Courts consistently affirm that criminal liability applies even when no actual child is involved, to prevent sexual exploitation networks from using virtual content as a loophole.
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