HSI Washington, D.C. investigation results in lengthy sentence for Fairfax man convicted of attempted production and possession of child pornography
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — An investigation led by the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C. field office landed a Fairfax, Virginia man in federal prison for 16 years. Brian Scott McGalem, 24, received the lengthy sentence on Wednesday for attempted production of and possession of child sexual abuse material.
According to the investigation, McGalem repeatedly engaged in sexually explicit discussions with at least six minors, during which he attempted to persuade several of the victims to produce sexually explicit pictures of themselves and send them to him.
“HSI Washington, D.C. will remain relentless in our pursuit of child sexual predators who believe they can pursue their perverse behavior with impunity,” said acting Special Agent in Charge Derek W. Gordon. “HSI Washington, D.C. will do all we can to ensure these predators do not escape justice and ensure serious consequences for their heinous actions.”
At least three of the minor victims were under the age of 12 at the time of the offenses. During these discussions, which took place on several social media platforms under the monikers “Random Hipster#2429” and “Sircoolbeans,” McGalem attempted to groom and entice the minors to record themselves engaging in sexually explicit activity and sent some of the minors sexually explicit images of himself. Moreover, McGalem’s electronic devices contained several images and videos of child sexual abuse material.
HSI continues to attempt to identify additional victims. Anyone with information regarding these crimes is encouraged to call the HSI Tip Line at 866-347-2423.
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 over 10,400 employees consists of more than 6,800 special agents assigned to 225 cities throughout the United States, and 93 overseas locations in 56 countries. HSI’s international presence represents DHS’s largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement.
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