Greensburg Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting an 11-Year-Old Girl Via Kik and Snapchat
Greensburg Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for ... Department of Justice
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Matthew Hostetler Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor
INDIANAPOLIS- Matthew Hostetler, 26, of Greensburg, Indiana, has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to sexual exploitation of a minor.
Background
- On January 16, 2020, a Winnebago County, Oklahoma Sheriff’s Department investigation uncovered Matthew Hostetler’s involvement in a Kik Messenger group chat created for individuals interested in child sexual abuse material.
- Hostetler hid behind the username “WARRIORHEART1997” and sent graphic sexual abuse videos and images of a then 11-year-old girl he referred to as “Lola.”
- Many of the images Hostetler traded over Kik were coerced from the minor via Snapchat.
- Hostetler bragged to other members of the group chat about his relationship with “Lola” and how he manipulated her.
Investigation and Arrest
- On April 16, 2021, FBI agents and Greensburg Police Department Officers executed a search warrant at Hostetler’s Indiana home and seized his cell phone.
- The investigation revealed that “Lola” met Hostetler on the internet and falsely claimed to be 13 years old and living with her grandparents in Oklahoma.
- Hostetler instructed “Lola” not to tell her grandparents about their conversations.
- “Lola” stated that Hostetler routinely threatened her if she did not send him sexually explicit images and videos.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This case highlights the importance of addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. By combating child sexual exploitation and abuse, law enforcement agencies contribute to creating a safer and more just society for children.
Statements from Officials
United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers, emphasized the prevalence of online platforms being used by pedophiles to prey on children and urged parents and guardians to educate children about online safety. He commended the FBI, Winnebago County (Oklahoma) Sheriff’s Department, and the Greensburg Police Department for their efforts in seeking justice for the victim and protecting other children from online predators.
Sentencing and Supervision
U.S. District Court Judge, James R. Sweeney, imposed a 25-year prison sentence on Hostetler. Following his release, Hostetler will be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 30 years and must register as a sex offender in his community.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. The initiative mobilizes federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children online, as well as to identify and rescue victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.
If you are a victim of child sexual exploitation, please contact your local police department. Resources for victims of child exploitation can be found on our website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdin/project-safe-childhood.
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
- SDG 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article does not explicitly mention any indicators. However, potential indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets include:
- Number of cases of sexual exploitation of minors reported and prosecuted
- Number of individuals convicted for sexual exploitation of minors
- Number of victims identified and provided with support services
- Number of online platforms investigated and monitored for child sexual abuse material
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation. | – Number of cases of sexual exploitation of minors reported and prosecuted – Number of individuals convicted for sexual exploitation of minors – Number of victims identified and provided with support services |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children. | – Number of cases of sexual exploitation of minors reported and prosecuted – Number of individuals convicted for sexual exploitation of minors – Number of victims identified and provided with support services – Number of online platforms investigated and monitored for child sexual abuse material |
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Source: justice.gov
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