HSI Dark Web Investigation Leads to Guilty Plea From Washington State Man for Advertising Child Sexual Abuse Material

PORTLAND, Maine — A Kent, Washington, man pleaded guilty Aug. 28 in U.S. District Court in Portland to advertising child pornography after Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New England identified him while monitoring a dark web site.

According to court records, earlier this year, HSI special agents in Portland were investigating a site on the dark web dedicated to the sexual abuse of children. During the investigation, HSI special agents observed a profile, later identified as belonging to Michael Posey, 49, that held a moderator position and was responsible for approving posts submitted by others. The profile included a password that individuals could use for any files or links provided by the user. A review of the profile’s history revealed a history of postings that dated back to December 2021. Special agents logged into the site, reviewed a post made by Posey regarding a collection of 70 videos of child sexual abuse, and accessed a zipped file containing numerous videos including young children. In April 2024, HSI special agents executed a search warrant at Posey’s residence in Kent, Washington. During the interview, Posey confirmed he used the profile on the dark web site and provided agents with his login information.

Posey faces 15 to 30 years in prison followed by five years to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. 

HSI New England’s Portland Resident Agent in Charge office investigated the case.
 
HSI is a global leader in the fight against child exploitation. Last year, HSI special agents dedicated 1.2 million case hours toward investigating child exploitation. This heinous crime harms the most vulnerable in our society: Our kids. As technology evolves and more people have access to the internet, children are at a greater risk than ever. HSI’s special agents and analysts around the world are dedicated to countering this threat.
 
Report suspected child exploitation to the HSI Tip Line at 877-4-HSI-TIP or through the CyberTipline on the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children's website.