BALTIMORE — A Maryland man was found guilty of conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of a child and two counts of sexual exploitation of a child in order to produce and transmit a visual depiction of the sexually explicit conduct.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy and U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland in Baltimore Erek L. Barron made the announcement.
Eugene Edward Golden, 38, a former Maryland State Correctional Officer of Baltimore was sentenced to 45 years in federal prison to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release.
“Golden conspired with six other co-defendants to produce and transmit child sexual abuse material. Bringing these criminals to justice not only enhances the safety of our communities but also sends a strong message to those who exploit our children: you will face the full extent of the law. HSI Baltimore remains committed to tirelessly prosecuting child predators and ensuring they are put behind bars, where they can no longer harm the children of our Maryland neighborhoods,” stated McCarthy.
In 2019, Golden began using dating and prostitution websites to seek out women willing to produce child sexual abuse material (CSAM) for financial compensation. Well over 100 images and videos were produced for and received by Golden, with victims ranging in age from 1 to 12. Golden was also found with a large collection of commercially available CSAM.
Alongside this significant conviction, HSI and the Maryland State Police identified additional female conspirators involved in producing and distributing CSAM. This led to two additional child exploitation cases and the identification and rescue of two minor victims.
HSI Baltimore extends appreciation to the Maryland State Police, Howard County Police, and Baltimore Police Department whose collaboration and dedication were instrumental throughout this investigation. Their teamwork, alongside the relentless efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, Baltimore, exemplifies the commitment to protecting our communities and delivering justice.
HSI takes a victim-centered approach to child exploitation investigations by working to identify, rescue and stabilize victims. HSI works in partnership with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Internet Crimes Against Children partners, and other federal, state and local agencies to help solve cases and rescue sexually exploited children.
One of HSI’s top priorities is to protect the public from crimes of victimization, and HSI’s child exploitation investigations program is a central component of this mission set. Further, HSI is recognized as a global leader in this investigative discipline. The directorate is committed to utilizing its vast authorities, international footprint and strong government and nongovernment partnerships to identify and rescue child victims; identify and apprehend offenders; prevent transnational child sexual abuse; and help make the internet a safer place for children.
Members of the public with information about criminal activity in your community are encouraged to contact the HSI Tip Line at 877-4-HSI-TIP.
Learn more about HSI Baltimore’s mission to increase public safety in our Maryland communities on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @HSIBaltimore.