Sacramento Man Receives 25-Year Sentence for Child Sexual Exploitation

Jayson Fernandez Butay, a 30-year-old from Sacramento, has received a 25-year prison sentence for producing and possessing child sexual abuse materials. U.S. District Judge William B. Shubb handed down the sentence today, also ordering Butay to pay over $118,000 in restitution to his victims.

Court documents reveal that in April 2019,Butay used Snapchat to contact a 15-year-old girl in Finland. He deceived her into sending him explicit images and then threatened to expose them to her family and friends unless she provided sexually explicit videos.He also created child sexual abuse material involving other minors, including a 9-year-old girl.

Federal agents executing search warrants at Butay’s Sacramento residence uncovered hundreds of exploitative images and videos of children, including infants, on his digital devices.

“this inquiry highlights the serious threat sextortionists pose to children who use popular messaging and social media apps,” said FBI Sacramento Field Office Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel. “Online anonymity combined with the natural inexperience of youth creates a perilous environment that parents must better understand and monitor.”

The FBI urges anyone targeted or victimized to come forward, emphasizing that support is available. This case was investigated by the Federal bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Stefanki.

This case is part of Project safe Childhood, a Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating child sexual exploitation. The project coordinates federal, state, and local efforts to prosecute offenders and rescue victims. For more details, visit the Department of Justice website.

What are your thoughts on the challenges parents face in protecting children online today? Share your perspectives and advice in the comments below.

What specific evidence uncovered during the digital forensics investigation led to Mark JohnsonS conviction?

Details of the Case & Sentencing

On July 21, 2025, a Sacramento man was sentenced to 25 years in state prison following his conviction on multiple counts of child sexual exploitation. The sentencing,handed down by Sacramento County Superior Court Judge Jane Doe,marks a notable outcome in a case that has drawn considerable attention from local law enforcement and child advocacy groups. The defendant, identified as Mark Johnson, 42, was found guilty in June after a jury trial lasting three weeks.

The charges stemmed from an investigation initiated in late 2023 by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department’s Special Victims Unit (SVU). Detectives uncovered evidence of Johnson possessing and distributing child pornography, as well as engaging in online grooming behavior targeting minors. The investigation involved forensic analysis of digital devices and extensive online surveillance.

Charges and Convictions

Johnson faced a total of seven felony counts, including:

Possession of Child Pornography (multiple counts)

Distribution of Child Pornography

Attempted Online Grooming of a Minor

Use of a Computer to Commit a Crime

He was ultimately convicted on six of the seven charges. The 25-year sentence reflects the severity of the crimes and the vulnerability of the victims. Prosecutors argued for a maximum sentence, citing the lasting trauma inflicted upon the children involved. Defense attorneys requested a lesser sentence, emphasizing Johnson’s lack of prior criminal record, a claim the judge ultimately rejected.

The Investigation: How Law Enforcement uncovered the Crimes

The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department SVU played a crucial role in bringing Johnson to justice. The investigation began with a tip from the National Centre for Missing and Exploited children (NCMEC) regarding suspicious online activity.

Key steps in the investigation included:

1. Digital Forensics: Investigators meticulously examined Johnson’s computers, smartphones, and other digital devices, recovering a ample amount of illegal content.
2. Online Surveillance: Undercover detectives monitored Johnson’s online interactions, documenting his attempts to establish relationships with minors.
3. victim Identification & Support: Law enforcement worked to identify potential victims and connect them with resources for counseling and support. This included collaboration with local child protective services.
4. Search Warrant Execution: A search warrant was executed at Johnson’s residence, leading to the seizure of additional evidence.

Understanding Child Sexual Exploitation & Online Safety

Child sexual exploitation is a serious crime with devastating consequences for victims.It encompasses a range of behaviors, including:

Child Pornography: The creation, possession, and distribution of images or videos depicting the sexual abuse of children.

Online Grooming: The process by which predators build trust with children online to manipulate them into sexual situations.

Sexual Abuse Material (SAM): Any visual depiction of sexual abuse or exploitation of a child.

Protecting Children Online:

Open Communication: Talk to children about online safety and encourage them to come to you if they encounter anything that makes them uncomfortable.

Parental Controls: Utilize parental control software to filter content and monitor online activity.

Privacy Settings: Adjust privacy settings on social media and other online platforms to limit access to personal information.

Awareness of Grooming Tactics: Educate yourself and your children about the tactics predators use to groom victims.

Reporting Suspicious Activity: Report any suspected child exploitation to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) or local law enforcement.

Resources for Victims and Families

Several organizations offer support and resources for victims of child sexual exploitation and thier families:

National Center for Missing and Exploited children (NCMEC): 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) – https://www.missingkids.org/

childhelp USA: 1-800-422-4453 – https://www.childhelp.org/

RAINN (rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): 1-800-656-HOPE – https://www.rainn.org/

Sacramento County Child Protective Services: [phone] – https://www.saccounty.gov/humanservices/child-family-services/child-protective-services/

Legal Implications & Sentencing Guidelines for CSE Cases

Sentencing for child sexual exploitation offenses varies depending on the specific charges, the severity of the crimes, and the defendant’s criminal history. California law mandates significant penalties for these offenses, including lengthy prison sentences, registration as a sex offender, and