Who Is Scott Keith Baldwin Jr.? California-Virginia Resident Pleads Guilty in CSAM Conspiracy Case
Scott Keith Baldwin Jr., 58, pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute child s*xual abuse material after a 2024 FBI search of his San Jose home seized media from over 150 exploitation series. Sentencing is set for January 12, 2027. The accused participated in an invite-only online group on an encrypted messaging platform used for sharing live CSAM links and files.
Scott Keith Baldwin Jr., 58, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute child s*xual abuse material (CSAM) following a federal investigation into an invite-only encrypted messaging group, the US Department of Justice announced on Tuesday, September 15.
Investigation and Seizure
According to court documents, Baldwin maintained dual residency in San Jose, California, and Reston, Virginia, and participated in an invite-only online group on an encrypted messaging platform used for sharing live CSAM links and files, reports the US Department of Justice. US: Former Miami Teacher Shows Obscene Videos to Students, Tries To Kiss Them; Arrested.
Law enforcement identified Baldwin during an online probe into the group and executed a residential search warrant at his San Jose home in July 2024. Investigators seized a hard drive containing files from over 150 child exploitation series, including depictions of prepubescent minors.
Legal Proceedings and Penalties
Baldwin entered his guilty plea before a federal court, with sentencing scheduled for January 12, 2027. He faces a statutory penalty range of five to 20 years in federal prison, with a final sentence to be determined by a district court judge under federal sentencing guidelines. The announcement was made by Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian for the Northern District of California, and FBI Assistant Director Heith Janke. Viral Video Shows South Carolina Inmate Charles Dieterich Using Pencil To Escape Jail, Recaptured Within 30 Minutes.
The case is prosecuted by Trial Attorney Nadia Prinz (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Marissa Harris, and investigated by the FBI's Child Exploitation Operational Unit with assistance from Washington, D.C., and San Francisco field offices. The prosecution falls under Project Safe Childhood, a DOJ initiative launched in May 2006 to coordinate federal, state, and local resources against online child exploitation.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 17, 2026 03:54 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).