Mississippi Man Convicted by Federal Jury of Participating in a Criminal Conspiracy to Distribute Child Sexual Abuse Material

A federal jury convicted Justin Lee Plunk, 39, of Corinth, Mississippi, for conspiring to distribute and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) for profit on Instagram and Telegram.

“Justin Plunk exploited the most vulnerable members of our society to turn a profit,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva for the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “He operated a business that trafficked in horrific images of the sexual exploitation of children both in America and abroad. The verdict in this case sends a strong message that such horrific and depraved conduct will be met with accountability.” 

“Justin Plunk was an active participant in a conspiracy that, for years, preyed upon and sexually exploited children for profit through a variety of online platforms, including popular social media and children’s gaming apps and mobile payment services,” said U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti for the Western District of Pennsylvania. “Although it can never undo the harm these victims experienced, this verdict holds Plunk responsible for his role in the recruitment and abuse of those minors, and is another example of our office’s commitment to working with our law enforcement partners at all levels to protect children from such crimes and to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law predators who exploit and conspire to exploit minors.”

“Today’s verdict reflects the jury’s clear recognition of the harm caused by those who exploit children for their own profit,” said Special Agent in Charge Richard Evanchec of the FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Office Our children are precious, and their safety must remain our highest priority. We are grateful for the dedicated FBI employees who work every day to protect the most vulnerable among us and to ensure that those who prey on them are brought to justice.”