American Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Online Sexual Exploitation of Canadian Youths

Editor’s Note: This story contains graphic details about child sexual abuse that may disturb some readers. Discretion is advised.

An American man from Oregon has been sentenced to 20 years in a U.S. federal prison for using social media to stalk, harass, and exploit three youths from British Columbia (B.C.), Canada.

The investigation began in May 2021 when the Comox Valley RCMP received a report of a local youth being sexually exploited online. As the investigation progressed, law enforcement agencies in B.C. received more reports from victims in cities like West Shore and Surrey. The case was then handed over to the U.S. Homeland Security.

The investigation revealed that the Oregon man coerced the victims, including the Comox youth, to send sexually explicit photos to him. When the victims refused to send more photos, he threatened to share the existing photos with their friends and families. He even went as far as telling the victims to comply with his demands or commit suicide.

The man, identified as 37-year-old Kevin Robert McCarty, used various social media platforms like Snapchat and Instagram to communicate with the victims. He also used the alias “Robbie MacKenzie.”

In Oregon, court documents showed that one victim, a 14-year-old girl, had sent more than 50 nude photos and a sexual video at McCarty’s request. Another victim, a 15-year-old girl, sent two nude photos but was pressured to send more. A third victim, around 14 years old, also sent nude photos of herself.

The threats McCarty sent to one of the victims included messages like “if anything happens to me, I’ll cut your sister’s throat” and “I will get out on bail and murder her.” He was eventually identified by one of the victims’ mothers.

McCarty was charged with sexually exploiting children, distributing child pornography, cyberstalking, enticing a child online, and transferring obscene material to a minor. After being arrested in Riverside, California, he pleaded guilty to the charges.

The sentencing sends a strong message about the dangers of online exploitation and the need for cross-border cooperation in combating these crimes.

Authorities urge anyone in danger or with knowledge of someone in danger to immediately call 911. Child sexual exploitation can also be reported online through the CyberTipline or by calling 1-800-846-5678.