Washington State Resident Charged with Distribution of Child Pornography After Allegedly Sending Videos to Undercover Agent

SAN FRANCISCO – Christopher Michael David was arrested for distribution of child pornography, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett.

According to the criminal complaint filed on October 5, 2020, and unsealed on October 6, 2020, David, 43, of Fife, Washington, allegedly delivered seven videos containing child pornography to an undercover agent. 

“This case should serve as a warning to child predators,” said United States Attorney David L. Anderson. “The patience and persistence with which this investigation was pursued demonstrates how relentlessly we will hunt down people who exploit minor children and distribute child pornography. Law enforcement is watching.”

“Fighting child exploitation is a top priority of the FBI,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Bennett. “We will continue to go after those who prey on society's most vulnerable and hold them accountable for their reprehensible crimes.”

The complaint describes how an individual—subsequently identified as David—used the handle “pervyguy40” to contact individuals on a social media application.  In April of 2020, David contacted an undercover agent who claimed to be a “bad momma” looking for a “teacher” for her 7- and 9-year-old daughters.  David told the agent that his “dark desires” included “incest and young sharing.”  In subsequent chats, David claimed to have had previous sexual contact with at least four minors.  David also communicated a desire to travel to the Northern District of California to engage in a long-term sexual relationship with the agent’s purported minor children.  David exchanged messages with the undercover agent about the difficulties of arranging travel in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and his difficulties in getting time off from work.

To acclimate the purported children to this idea, he sent pictures of his genitalia.  He also repeatedly asked for photos of the purported children.  On August 17, 2020, in the context of anticipated travel in September, he asked the agent whether her minor children “would like to see examples of what they will learn?”  David then sent seven (7) videos containing child sexual abuse material.   

The complaint further describes how David claimed to have collected “hundreds” of pictures and videos containing child pornography.  David allegedly obtained the child pornography by trading online.  In addition, David sent text messages to coach the agent on how to obtain such images without attracting law enforcement attention.

David is charged with distribution of child pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252(a)(2).  

Criminal complaints merely allege that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.  If convicted on the distribution of child pornography charge, the defendant faces a minimum sentence of five years, a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, a supervised release term of five years to life, a fine of $250,000, a special assessment of $5,000, criminal forfeiture, and restitution.  However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

David was arrested in Fife, Washington and made his initial federal court appearance before Magistrate Judge J. Richard Creatura in the Western District of Washington.  Magistrate Judge Creatura ordered David’s pre-trial detention pending transport to the Northern District of California for his initial appearance in this District. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christoffer Lee is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Marina Ponomarchuk and Angelica Jao.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI.