Aurora Man Sentenced To 18 Years In Federal Prison For Production Of Child Pornography

DENVER – Ryan Charles McCraw, age 39, of Aurora, Colorado, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Christine M. Arguello to serve 216 months (18 years) in federal prison, followed by 15 years on supervised release for the production of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn and FBI Denver Division Special Agent in Charge Dean Phillips.  McCraw appeared at the sentencing hearing in custody, and was remanded at its conclusion.

McCraw was indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver on October 26, 2017.  He first appeared in U.S. District Court in Denver on December 4, 2017, to be advised of his rights and the charges pending against him.  According to the stipulated facts contained in the plea agreement and statements made at the sentencing hearing, McCraw met underage boys living in the Denver metro area through online chat services. McCraw engaged in sexually explicit conversations with the boys over the course of months, asking them to send him sexually explicit images online.  He enticed the boys to meet with him, picking them up in his car if they were too young to drive.  He took them to his residence and engaged in sex acts with them.  McCraw filmed the sex acts and took still images of the boys.  He continued this course of conduct for over a year with multiple victims.  McCraw boasted online that he had “trained” 12 other boys. 

“The victims of child pornography production must be made to carry the harm they cause with them,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn.  “Mr. McCraw will now be spending a long time in federal prison to account for that harm.  We particularly want to thank the investigators who helped bring this man to justice.”

“This sentence sends a strong message to those who sexually exploit our children that law enforcement will aggressively investigate their harmful and disturbing actions,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Dean Phillips.  “Our commitment to the well-being of our children will forever remain a primary objective of the FBI.”

The FBI, Longmont Police Department and Aurora Police Department investigated this matter.  The 20th Judicial District assisted with this matter.  The defendant was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Valeria Spencer.