The Department of Justice announced Friday that authorities have indicted a gay porn star on charges of trafficking in hundreds of child pornography videos.
Justin Heath Smith, an adult film actor known by the stage name Austin Wolf, was arrested on child pornography-related charges. Smith is accused of sending and receiving hundreds of videos through the Telegram app and possessing additional child pornography in his Manhattan apartment. according to Details of the charges include conduct caught on video and the abuse of young children, including infants, according to a press release.
Smith is scheduled to appear soon before U.S. District Judge Robin F. Tarnovsky in Manhattan federal court. U.S. Attorney Damien Williams reiterated that the investigation is ongoing and urged the public to provide any relevant information to the FBI.
Austin Wolf was arrested on child pornography charges. pic.twitter.com/iIwsCnzTq9
— Pop Base (@PopBase) June 28, 2024
“As alleged, Justin Heath Smith received and distributed hundreds of recordings containing child pornography, including horrific videos of young children being bound, beaten and raped,” Williams said in a statement. “The investigation into Smith is ongoing and we urge anyone with information about Smith's actions to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.” (RELATED: James Gordon Meek Sentenced to Six Years in Child Pornography Case)
FBI Assistant Director James Smith emphasized the harm caused by the distribution of child sexual abuse images, noting that each image represents a crime scene and has a lasting impact on victims.
“Each photograph is a crime scene, leaving permanent scars on innocent victims. The FBI is relentless in pursuing these perpetrators. We will track them down, arrest them, and hold them to justice for the harm they have caused,” the FBI deputy director said in a statement.
According to the press release, the charges against Smith include one count of distribution and receipt of child pornography, which is punishable by a minimum of five years and a maximum of 20 years in prison, and one count of possession of child pornography, which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
“This case is being handled by the U.S. Attorney's Office's General Crimes Section, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Getzel Burger leading the prosecution. As the investigation continues, legal proceedings will likely shed further light on the scope and details of Smith's alleged activities.”