Camden County Residents Plead Guilty to Child Exploitation Charges
A man and woman from Camden County are awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to charges related to the sexual exploitation of children. Michael Williams Kersey, 45, of St. Marys, Ga., and Lesley M. Henry, 47, of Kingsland, Ga., entered their guilty pleas before U.S. District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood, according to U.S. Attorney Jill E. Steinberg of the Southern District of Georgia.
Serious Charges and Potential Sentences
Kersey faces several serious charges, including conspiracy to engage in sexual exploitation of children, two counts of sexual exploitation of children, and possession of child pornography. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, with a maximum potential sentence of 140 years. Conversely, Henry faces two counts of production of child pornography, which also carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of 60 years. Both defendants must pay a special assessment of $5,000, along with substantial financial penalties and restitution. Additionally, they will serve a period of supervised release following their prison terms and must register as sex offenders. Importantly, parole is not available in the federal system.
Law Enforcement’s Role and Investigation Details
U.S. Attorney Steinberg highlighted the difficulty in comprehending the level of victimization vulnerable children experienced due to the defendants’ despicable acts. She commended law enforcement partners for their exceptional work in identifying the defendants and safeguarding innocent children from further harm.
The investigation began in 2020 when FBI agents traced child sexual abuse images shared through an internet messaging application back to Kersey, the registered user of the account. A search of Kersey’s residence uncovered multiple electronic devices containing hundreds of images and videos depicting child sexual abuse. Subsequently, agents identified Henry as a co-defendant, revealing that she had produced multiple images and videos of child sexual abuse, which she shared with Kersey.
Current Status and Future Proceedings
Both defendants are currently in federal custody. Their sentencing will occur after a pre-sentence investigation by U.S. Probation Services.
Commitment to Child Safety
Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, emphasized the heinous nature of child victimization, particularly when predators create and distribute such content. She reiterated the office’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of children and punishing their abusers. Farley urged anyone who suspects child victimization to report it to local law enforcement or child protective services.
Collaborative Investigation Efforts
The FBI led the investigation, receiving assistance from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service/Kings Bay, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Camden County Sheriff’s Office, St. Mary’s Police Department, and Kingsland Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer S. Kirkland and Tania D. Groover, Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division.
