Mississippi Man Convicted of Child Exploitation in Pennsylvania

A federal jury in Pittsburgh has convicted Justin Lee Plunk, a 39-year-old from Corinth, Mississippi, of conspiring to distribute and distributing child sexual abuse material for profit. The jury reached its verdict on October 9, 2026, after a four-day trial overseen by United States District Judge Robert J. Colville.

Plunk was found guilty of participating in a criminal conspiracy that exploited children online from at least 2021 to 2024. The conspirators recruited female minors, some as young as 10 years old, from the Western District of Pennsylvania and other locations. The operation involved creating 'packages' of 30 images and seven videos depicting child sexual exploitation, and engaging in live video calls with customers. Platforms used for these activities included Instagram, Snapchat, and Telegram, with one minor being introduced to the conspiracy through the gaming platform Roblox.

The conspiracy utilized various payment methods, such as Cash App, Venmo, and gift cards from Walmart and Roblox, to facilitate transactions. Plunk personally received over $57,000 in proceeds from these activities.

Plunk's conviction is part of a broader effort under Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. The initiative brings together federal, state, and local resources to prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet and to rescue victims.

The investigation leading to Plunk's conviction was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Pittsburgh office and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Heidi Grogan and Trial Attorney Gwendelynn Bills of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section prosecuted the case.

Plunk, who had a prior conviction for enticement of a child for sexual purposes in Mississippi in 2016, faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count. His sentencing is scheduled for January 26, 2027. The actual sentence will consider the seriousness of the offenses and Plunk's criminal history.

U. S. Attorney Troy Rivetti emphasized the importance of the verdict in holding Plunk accountable for his actions, stating that it reflects the commitment of law enforcement to protect children and prosecute those who exploit them.

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva highlighted the message sent by the conviction, underscoring the accountability for those involved in such "horrific and depraved conduct." FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Richard Evanchec reiterated the agency's dedication to safeguarding children and ensuring justice for victims.