Maryland Man Found Guilty on All Counts for Sexual Exploitation of Children to Produce Child Pornography and Related Charges

Baltimore Man Convicted of Sexual Exploitation of a Child and Possession of Child Pornography

Baltimore, Maryland – A federal jury has found Gary Rocky Jones guilty on multiple charges related to sexual exploitation of a child, enticement of a minor, and possession and distribution of child pornography. The verdict was announced on September 27, 2023, following a three-week trial.

Case Background

Gary Rocky Jones, a previously convicted sex offender, has been convicted of the following crimes:

• 27 counts of sexual exploitation of a child to produce child pornography
• 15 counts of using the internet to entice minors to engage in illegal sexual activity
• Commission of a felony crime involving a minor by a registered sex offender
• Possession and distribution of child pornography

The evidence presented during the trial revealed that between 2014 and August 2015, Jones produced explicit images and videos of a minor male. The victim was between the ages of 14 and 15 at the time. Additionally, from September 2018 to August 2020, Jones used social media accounts to coerce and persuade 15 minor males, aged eight to 17, from various states to engage in sexually explicit conduct. He convinced the victims to produce and send explicit images and videos via the internet. Jones also distributed child pornography on April 2, 2018, and possessed child pornography between December 2, 2014, and January 31, 2020, and from May 29, 2017, to July 14, 2020. Lastly, the jury found that Jones committed felony offenses involving minors between 2015 and September 2020 while being a registered sex offender in Maryland.

Sentencing and Penalties

Jones faces severe penalties for his crimes:

• Mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years to a maximum of 50 years in federal prison for each count of sexual exploitation of a child
• Mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years to a maximum of life imprisonment for each count of coercion and enticement of a child
• Mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years to a maximum of 40 years in federal prison for distribution of child pornography
• Mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years to a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for possession of child pornography

In addition, Jones will receive a mandatory consecutive sentence of 10 years in federal prison for committing a felony crime involving a minor as a registered sex offender. The sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This case highlights the importance of addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. The following SDGs are particularly relevant:

1. No Poverty
2. Good Health and Well-being
3. Quality Education
4. Gender Equality
5. Reduced Inequalities
6. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The conviction of Gary Rocky Jones contributes to the achievement of these goals by combating child sexual exploitation and abuse, protecting the rights of minors, and ensuring justice for the victims.

Project Safe Childhood

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in 2006. The initiative aims to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse by coordinating efforts between federal, state, and local authorities. It focuses on locating, apprehending, and prosecuting individuals who exploit children and rescuing victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Acknowledgments

United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Baltimore Police Department for their diligent work in the investigation and prosecution of the Jones case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul E. Budlow and Colleen E. McGuinn.

For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and available community resources, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-childhood and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

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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

The article discusses the conviction of Gary Rocky Jones for sexual exploitation of a child, possession and distribution of child pornography, and enticement of a minor. These issues are directly related to SDG 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. The exploitation of children and the use of child pornography also violate the rights of children and are connected to SDG 16, which focuses on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres
• Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children
• Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all

The article highlights the sexual exploitation of a child and the possession and distribution of child pornography by Gary Rocky Jones. These actions represent forms of violence against children, particularly boys, as well as the exploitation of minors. Therefore, the targets mentioned above are relevant to the issues discussed in the article.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months
• Indicator 16.2.2: Number of victims of human trafficking per 100,000 population, by sex, age group, and form of exploitation
• Indicator 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized mechanisms

While the article does not explicitly mention indicators, the identified targets can be measured using the indicators mentioned above. These indicators help track progress in eliminating violence against women and girls, ending abuse and exploitation of children, and promoting access to justice for victims.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: justice.gov

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