HSI Nashville investigation leads to 25-year sentence for Kentucky man

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Following an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Nashville, a Kentucky man was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison Jan. 3 in the Eastern District of Kentucky for two counts of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.

Cory Johns, 42, of Nicholasville, was identified in November 2015, when the Lexington Police Department connected with him via a file sharing program and downloaded images and videos of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. On April 16, 2016, the Kentucky State Police (KSP) also connected with Johns via a file sharing program and downloaded images and videos of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. KSP then obtained a search warrant for the location associated with the IP address from the downloads, which led to the home where Johns was living. A forensic exam of various electronic devices in his residence uncovered additional images and videos of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

HSI Nashville Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky Carlton S. Shier IV, KSP Commissioner Phillip J. Burnett, and Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers announced the sentence.

HSI, the KSP and the Lexington Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin Roth and Mary Melton represented the United States.

HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free tip line at 866-347-2423 or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock. From outside the United States and Canada, dial 802-872-6199. Hearing impaired users may call TTY at 802-872-6196.

HSI takes a victim-centered approach to child exploitation investigations by working to identify, rescue and stabilize victims. HSI works in partnership with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force partners, and other federal, state and local agencies to help solve cases and rescue sexually exploited children. You can report suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 800-THE-LOST.

HSI is a founding member of the Virtual Global Taskforce, an international alliance of law enforcement agencies and private industry sector partners working together to prevent and deter online child sexual abuse.

One of HSI’s top priorities is to protect the public from crimes of victimization, and HSI’s child exploitation investigations program is a central component of this mission set. Further, HSI is recognized as a global leader in this investigative discipline. The directorate is committed to utilizing its vast authorities, international footprint and strong government and nongovernment partnerships to identify and recover child victims, identify and apprehend offenders, prevent transnational child sexual abuse, and help make the internet a safer place for children.

HSI is the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats, specifically those criminal organizations that exploit the global infrastructure through which international trade, travel and finance move. HSI’s workforce of more than 8,700 employees consists of more than 6,000 special agents assigned to 237 cities throughout the United States, and 93 overseas locations in 56 countries. HSI’s international presence represents DHS’ largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement.