Mt. Juliet man convicted of child exploitation | Lebanon

“This conviction is a great example of the joint efforts in which (Homeland Security Investigations) works with our law enforcement partners to save children who are being sexually exploited,” said Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Nashville, Rana Saoud, in a press release. “Let this be a warning to anyone who engages in the abhorrent behavior of producing and distributing child sexual abuse material. Our investigators work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to bring justice to those who would harm our children.

The press release states that Ladd made a sexually explicit video of a six-year-old girl in his care in 2020 before sharing the video and another video of another child in an online chat. Homeland Security Investigations, FBI Memphis Field Office, Nashville Resident Agency; and the Metro Nashville Police Department investigated the case, which was part of Project Safe Childhood.

Launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Tennessee said the goal of the nationwide project was to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse.

Ladd was charged in 2021 with one count of production of child pornography, one count of transportation of child pornography, and one count of distribution of child pornography. Ladd pleaded guilty to all charges on September 21, 2023.

“Protecting children will always be a top priority for the Department of Justice,” U.S. Attorney Henry C. Leventis said in the press release. “In this case, thanks to the excellent work done by law enforcement and members of our office, the defendant will spend the next 17 years in federal prison and away from children.”