Abita Springs man who created child porn websites pleads guilty - WECT TV6-WECT.com:News, weather & sports Wilmington, NC

An Abita Springs man who allegedly created websites that collected and distributed child pornography and taught users how to coerce young boys has pled guilty to Operating a Child Exploitation Enterprise, according to U.S. Attorney Kenneth Polite Jr.

Jonathan Johnson, 27 was accused of having two illegal websites between 2012 and 2013 with more than 27,000 members worldwide. Officials say he was the administrator of the websites and created categories of website users including members and uploaders.

The investigation reports show Johnson required members to register with a username and password before they could download video files, comment on videos, or exchange private messages.

According to the Department of Justice, Johnson's websites also included tutorials that provided guidance to members and uploaders on ways to communicate with minor boys in order to coerce them into creating sexually explicit videos, and ways to avoid detection from law enforcement.

Information from the DOJ states Johnson used and encouraged other members and uploaders to access popular social networking sites to find unsuspecting minor boys. Johnson and other website members and uploaders created fake female Internet profiles to initiate online communication with the young boys.

According to documents, the investigation revealed Johnson's websites contained approximately 2,000 videos depicting the sexual exploitation of young boys. The case against Johnson has resulted in 10 men being charged by the U.S. Attorney's Office in New Orleans.

Johnson has been in federal custody since his arrest on June 13. He is facing a mandatory minimum term of 20 years in prison to a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.

Sentencing is set for July 17 by U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown.

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