Missouri bus driver sentenced to 17 years for child sexual exploitation following HSI Kansas City, partner investigation
Missouri bus driver sentenced to 17 years for child sexual ... U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Newsroom
sdgtalks
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Combating Child Sexual Exploitation
Introduction
A Springfield man has been sentenced in federal court for engaging in the sexual exploitation of a minor and sharing explicit images of a young child in an internet chat group. This joint investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Kansas City, the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, the Springfield Police Department, and the FBI.
Case Details
Gordon Wesley Roughton II, aged 42, was sentenced to 17 years in federal prison without parole by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool on October 12. Roughton pleaded guilty to the sexual exploitation of a minor on September 22, 2022. At the time of his arrest, Roughton was employed as a seasonal bus driver for a children’s program for the Springfield-Greene County Park Board. He had also worked as a substitute teacher at schools in the Springfield area and as a bus driver for the Springfield Public School District and a Springfield Catholic school.
Investigation and Arrest
The investigation began on June 15, 2021, when a detective from the Springfield Police Department received a CyberTip report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The report indicated that Roughton had uploaded images of child sexual abuse on MeWe, a social media and networking service.
On June 16, 2021, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Roughton’s residence. During the search, Roughton admitted to participating in a chat group on MeWe where members traded child sexual abuse material. Roughton confessed that he did not have any images to trade and took explicit photos of the child victim to remain in the chat group. He then uploaded these photos to MeWe.
Legal Proceedings
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller prosecuted the case against Roughton. 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 aims to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 to address various social, economic, and environmental challenges. Combating child sexual exploitation aligns with several SDGs, including:
- Goal 4: Quality Education – By ensuring the safety and protection of children, we contribute to creating an environment conducive to quality education for all.
- Goal 5: Gender Equality – Protecting children from sexual exploitation helps promote gender equality by preventing discrimination and violence against girls and boys.
- Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Prosecuting individuals involved in child sexual exploitation contributes to building strong institutions and promoting justice.
About Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
HSI is the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats. With a workforce of over 8,700 employees, including more than 6,000 special agents, HSI operates in 237 cities across the United States and 93 overseas locations in 56 countries. HSI’s international presence represents one of the largest footprints in U.S. law enforcement.
Conclusion
Combating child sexual exploitation is a crucial aspect of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This case highlights the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies to protect children and prosecute individuals involved in such heinous crimes. By aligning our actions with the SDGs, we can work towards creating a safer and more just society for all.
Learn More
Learn more about our mission to eradicate child predators in the community on X, formerly known as Twitter, @HSIKansasCity.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children | Indicator: Number of cases and convictions related to child exploitation and abuse |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.7: Ensure all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development | Indicator: Number of individuals involved in the education system found guilty of child exploitation and abuse |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 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 | Indicator: Number of cases and convictions related to the sexual exploitation of minors |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
Explanation:
The issues highlighted in the article involve child sexual exploitation and abuse, which are violations of children’s rights and require strong institutions and justice systems to address. These issues also intersect with education and gender equality, as they impact the safety, well-being, and equal opportunities of children, particularly girls.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children
- Target 4.7: Ensure all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development
- Target 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
Explanation:
The article highlights the sexual exploitation of a minor, which falls under Target 16.2 of SDG 16. The perpetrator shared explicit photos of a child in an internet chat group, indicating the need to address abuse, exploitation, and violence against children.
The involvement of the perpetrator as a seasonal bus driver for a children’s program and a substitute teacher raises concerns about ensuring that all learners are safe and protected from exploitation, aligning with Target 4.7 of SDG 4.
The sexual exploitation of a minor also relates to Target 5.2 of SDG 5, which aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls, including sexual exploitation.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator: Number of cases and convictions related to child exploitation and abuse
- Indicator: Number of individuals involved in the education system found guilty of child exploitation and abuse
- Indicator: Number of cases and convictions related to the sexual exploitation of minors
Explanation:
The article mentions that the investigation led to the arrest and sentencing of the perpetrator, indicating progress in addressing child exploitation and abuse. The number of cases and convictions related to child exploitation and abuse can serve as an indicator to measure progress towards Target 16.2 of SDG 16.
The involvement of the perpetrator in the education system raises the need to monitor and prevent individuals within the education system from engaging in child exploitation and abuse. The number of individuals involved in the education system found guilty of such crimes can be an indicator to measure progress towards Target 4.7 of SDG 4.
The article specifically mentions the sexual exploitation of a minor, highlighting the need to address this issue. The number of cases and convictions related to the sexual exploitation of minors can be an indicator to measure progress towards Target 5.2 of SDG 5.
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: ice.gov
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
