Show-Me State Times

ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey on Wednesday sentenced Aaron Pratt, 38, of Webster Groves, Missouri, to 35 years in prison for his heinous crimes. Pratt admitted to recording his sexual abuse of one pre-teen girl and sexually abusing two other children. Pratt pleaded guilty in January to one count of production of child pornography and one count of receiving child pornography.

During the proceedings, Pratt confessed to the disturbing details of his actions, acknowledging that he sexually abused a girl for approximately two years when she was between the ages of 10 and 12. He further admitted to sexually abusing two other juveniles, ages 7 and 11, at their home in another state. Pratt also disclosed that he possessed over 28,000 images and videos of other minors on various electronic devices.

The investigation into Pratt's appalling crimes involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Webster Groves Police Department, the St. Louis County Police Department, the FBI, and the Hamilton Township (Ohio) Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jillian Anderson skillfully prosecuted the case, ensuring that justice was served for the victims and their families.

This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Project Safe Childhood aims to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.

U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey's decision to sentence Aaron Pratt to 35 years in prison sends a strong message that such despicable crimes against children will not be tolerated in our society. The sentencing serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding children and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.