Norcross Man Arrested For Distribution And Possession Of Child Pornography

Defendant Allegedly Sent and Received Graphic Images Over the Internet

ATLANTA – Kevin Hickey, who was formerly employed as the Director of Parish Outreach for Life Teen International in Atlanta, Ga., has been arrested on a federal complaint charging him with distributing and possessing child pornography. 

“This defendant collected child pornography at the same time he was entrusted to protect, counsel, and serve children, which reinforces how essential it is that we uncover and prosecute individuals who pose such a great threat to our community,” said United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates. 

“The terms ‘child predator’ and ‘person in a position of trust’ should never refer to the same individual,” said Brock. D. Nicholson, special agent in charge of ICE Homeland Security Investigations in Atlanta. “While anyone downloading and distributing child pornography is a target for HSI special agents, those who might have access to children will receive our immediate attention. HSI is doing everything in its power to prevent the victimization of innocent children in our society.”

According to United States Attorney Yates, the criminal complaint, and information presented in court:  Law enforcement identified Hickey as an individual with a sexual interest in children who also collects and distributes child pornography.  In June 2013, using his online screen name “funguyatl77,” Hickey engaged in an online communication monitored by federal agents.  In that communication he stated that he was watching “perving vids” and offered to share child pornography.  On June 3, 2013, Hickey transmitted a video showing two prepubescent males being sodomized by an adult male.  Hickey further displayed photographs of children he took surreptitiously in public places and was heard gratifying himself sexually during the online conversation.

A subsequent investigation by Homeland Security Investigations agents led them to Hickey and his home where he maintained his computer and engaged in the collection and distribution of these pornographic images.  Thousands of images of child exploitation were discovered on Hickey’s electronic devices.    

Hickey, 39, of Norcross, Ga., was arrested on June 6, 2013, and made his first appearance in federal court on June 7, 2013.  On Friday, June 14, 2013, United States Magistrate Judge Russell G. Vineyard held a detention hearing and Hickey was detained without bond.

The public is reminded that a criminal complaint contains only allegations.  A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove a defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

This case is being investigated by Special Agents of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.

Assistant United States Attorney Jill E. Steinberg is prosecuting the case.

For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016.  The Internet address for the HomePage for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is www.justice.gov/usao/gan.