Union City Man Sentenced To 30 Years For Production Of Child Pornography

         GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN —Erin Mal Killey, age 30, of Union City, Michigan, was sentenced today to thirty years in federal prison for producing child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge. "It is crucial that we protect society’s most vulnerable members from sexual exploitation and ensure swift and certain punishment for those predators who would exploit children," Birge commented.

          In announcing the sentence, U.S. District Judge Paul L. Maloney commented on the victim impact statements received in the case, noting that they were "compelling and represent devastation" suffered by victims of child exploitation. Following his term of incarceration, Killey will serve ten years on supervised release. He will also be required to register as a sexual offender.

          Killey took sexually explicit photographs of a seven year-old girl he was babysitting and emailed them to an undercover law enforcement agent. He also sent the agent other images from a child pornography collection Killey had amassed. As a result of this conduct, Killey was charged with production of child pornography, distribution of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. Killey pleaded guilty to production of child pornography in October of 2016. At sentencing, the U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized that Killey had also admitted molesting the child he photographed.

          "As demonstrated in this investigation, the sexual exploitation of children is sadly often perpetrated by those considered to be responsible adults in their lives. The FBI will continue to dedicate resources to the investigation and prosecution of sexual predators who commit crimes against children, the most vulnerable and innocent victims of crimes," said David P. Gelios, Special Agent in Charge, Detroit Division of the FBI.

          This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office; county prosecutor’s offices; and federal, state, and local law enforcement are working closely together to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children. Individuals with information or concerns about possible child exploitation should contact local law enforcement. For more information about Project Safe Childhood in West Michigan, including resources for children and parents, visit: http://www.justice.gov/usao/miw/programs/psc.html.

          This particular case is the result of an investigation by the FBI and Union City Police Department. The Branch County Prosecutor’s Office referred the case for federal prosecution. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexis M. Sanford prosecuted it.

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