Milton Man Sentenced To Life In Federal Prison For Engaging In A Child Exploitation Enterprise

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Christopher E. Hoffman, 35, of Milton, Florida was sentenced to life in federal prison after an earlier guilty verdict for engaging in a child exploitation enterprise, receiving child pornography, and distributing child pornography.  The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

“There is no greater charge than the protection of our children,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “This sentence is yet another example of the unwavering commitment to the protection of our most vulnerable and should serve as a significant deterrent to those who would attempt to harm them. We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who engage in such heinous conduct.”

In May of 2021, while investigating an online child pornography chat group, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agents saw a message from the defendant’s online persona “Insario” indicating that he had access to a child that he was sexually abusing and grooming for future abuse.  Investigators were able to trace the online profile back to the defendant at his address in Milton, Florida.  The arrest of the defendant and the search of his home resulted in the seizure of several electronic devices, which contained multiple images of child pornography, in addition to over 2,000 images stored in his online account. 

“This case is another example of the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office partnering up with our federal agencies to get an animal off the streets,” said Sheriff Johnson. “The number one responsibility of government is the protection of its citizens. This case is a perfect example of that.”

Agents were able to identify the child victim.  Specially trained investigators interviewed the child and revealed details of the abuse.  When confronted, the defendant admitted to it as well. 

 “This well-deserved life sentence should serve as a notice to all who victimize our children -- you will be held accountable,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “This is a testament to the professional partnerships with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, and the Northern District of Florida U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

FDLE Pensacola Special Agent in Charge Chris Williams said, “This is a just sentence resulting from the hard work of multiple law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The FDLE is proud to work alongside our partners seeking justice daily.”

If ever released, Hoffman will be on supervised release for the remainder of his life, and he will be required to register as a sex offender. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Walter E. Narramore prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.