Men from Indianapolis who exchanged child sex abuse materials were given lengthy prison sentences by federal judges

Indianapolis, Indiana – Both of the two Indianapolis guys who traded CSAM will serve a significant amount of time in federal prison.

After pleading guilty to sexual exploitation of a minor, conspiracy to sexually exploit children, and distribution and receipt of CSAM, Michael Ingram, 43, received a 40-year sentence.

After entering a guilty plea to conspiracy to sexually exploit children and to the distribution and receipt of CSAM, Cameron Helm, 36, received a 20-year term.

“These criminals gleefully reveled in the dark sewer of child exploitation,” said Zachary Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “They placed their own sexual gratification above the autonomy, dignity, and safety of a vulnerable child.”

When IMPD learned about CSAM being sent to Ingram’s email account from a Cyber Tip, they started their investigation in March 2020.

Following the execution of a search warrant for Ingram’s residence, members of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force found his iPhone and iPad. The devices’ forensic analysis proved that Ingram had created, disseminated, and owned CSAM.

Additionally, during a two-year period, police discovered 1,600 additional text exchanges between Ingram and Helm. According to investigators, the two would talk about engaging in sex acts with juveniles and sexually abusing children.

Helm gave Ingram instructions to take and send him pictures of himself molesting children. Then Helm would send CSAM in response.

After being released, Ingram and Helm must register as sex offenders and remain under supervision.

Helm was also mandated to pay a $10,000 fine and $10,000 in reparation to the young victims.