Austin Jones, a former youtube singer with a large teenage fanbase, is scheduled to be sentenced in Chicago federal court for coercing 6 underaged girls to send him explicit videos.
According to the prosecutors, Jones solicited lewd photos and videos from 14 and 15 year-old girls through Facebook. In addition, authorities believe he tried to solicit photos and videos from 30 other girls before he was arrested. Jones has admitted to requesting and receiving videos from these girls. He allegedly told the victims that he was giving them modeling opportunities that required them to strip for him. In incidents in May 2017 and August 2016 the complaint alleges that Jones directed the girls how to perform sex acts, even telling them what to wear and say.
He described the videos as “try outs”. On several occasions, a few victims expressed skepticism about what they were doing, but Jones encouraged them to continue. One of these victims repeatedly told Jones that she was only 14. And, Jones told another victim, “I seriously shouldn’t be talking to you”, appearing to understand that what they were doing is wrong.
Prosecutors are seeking an 11-year prison sentence for Austin Jones, while the defense wants the minimum penalty available, 5 years. To learn more about the legality of child pornography, click here.