A Fort Washington man, David Jamal Watson, 40, has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for sexually exploiting two children and producing child sexual abuse material. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis in Baltimore. After his release, Watson will be subject to 15 years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
The sentencing was announced by Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, along with Acting Special Agent in Charge Evan Campanella of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Baltimore, and Colonel Roland L. Butler, Jr., Superintendent of the Maryland State Police (MSP).
According to court documents, between September and October 2023, Watson exploited two children aged 9 and 13 to produce and distribute child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). He used platforms such as Telegram, Instagram, Twitter, and Google for storing and sharing these materials.
In July 2023, the Maryland Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that led authorities to Watson’s address after a Google user uploaded dozens of files suspected to contain CSAM over several months.
Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Watson’s home in October 2023. During an interview with MSP officers on site, Watson admitted viewing and distributing CSAM. Five devices were seized from his bedroom during the search.
A forensic review revealed more than 600 images depicting CSAM on Watson’s devices. Some images included nude photos and videos of his victims as well as other children. Investigators also found evidence that Watson attempted to sell these images via online conversations on Telegram.
Watson was arrested at his residence in November 2023 following a federal arrest warrant. In interviews with law enforcement officials after his arrest, he admitted recording nude images of his victims at home. A subsequent search warrant served on his Instagram account uncovered further attempts by Watson to sell CSAM involving his victims.
The case is part of Project Safe Childhood—a national Department of Justice initiative launched in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation through coordinated efforts among federal, state, and local agencies (https://www.justice.gov/psc). More information about internet safety education can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psc under the “Resources” tab.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended HSI and MSP for their investigative work on this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan S. McKoy prosecuted the matter.
Further details about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office are available at https://www.justice.gov/usao-md or https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
