Former Russell County Teacher, Sentenced To 60 Months In Prison For Sexual Exploitation Of Children

Criminal activity took place during a two-year period

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A Russell County, Kentucky, resident and former teacher, convicted of a crime involving the sexual exploitation of a minor, was sentenced in United States District Court yesterday, by District Judge Greg N. Stivers, to serve 60 months in prison, followed by a ten year period of supervised release and register as a sex offender in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, announced United States Attorney John E. Kuhn, Jr. There is no parole in the federal prison system.

“This is a horrific crime that can shake an entire community, especially when the perpetrator is a trusted teacher,” stated U.S. Attorney Kuhn. “Safeguarding our most vulnerable citizens is among the most significant priorities of my Office and the Department of Justice.”

According to the factual basis presented in the case, Jeffrey McGaha, 49, of Russell Springs, Kentucky, admitted to attempting to obtain child pornography between September 23, 2012, and September 5, 2014. McGaha used a cellular telephone and various social media applications to attempt to receive pornographic materials from a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. McGaha engaged in this conduct while in Russell County, Kentucky and other places.

Assistant United States Jo E. Lawless prosecuted the case. The Russell Springs Police Department conducted the investigation.

***

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab resources."