A Summerfield man shared videos of the sexual abuse of young boys on the dark web

A Summerfield man is headed to federal prison after using the dark web to distribute videos depicting the sexual abuse of young boys.

Senior U.S. District Judge John Antoon II has sentenced 25-year-old Matthew Allen Gahan to 20 years in federal prison for producing and possessing child sexual abuse material.

According to court documents, between May 13 and May 25, 2023, Gahan spoke to a minor who lived outside the United States. Gahan forced the minor to participate in video calls in which the minor engaged in sexual activity at Gahan’s direction. Gahan recorded these calls without the minor’s knowledge. On September 13, 2023, the FBI executed a search warrant at Gahan’s home and found several videos and images depicting the sexual abuse of young boys. Agents also determined that Gahan had used the Dark Web to distribute and receive child sexual abuse material.

Gahan must also register as a sex offender. He pleaded guilty on June 13.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The charges were filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hannah Nowalk.

This case was filed as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.