GRANDVILLE, Mich. — On Friday, 54-year-old Thomas Aaron Hungerford from Grandville pleaded guilty to charges of Sexual Exploitation of a Child.
He faces a minimum prison sentence of 15 years, and a maximum sentence of 30 years. His sentencing is expected to take place in the coming weeks, though the court could not yet give an exact date.
“Protecting children and teenagers from sexual exploitation is a critical part of our mission,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “I’m grateful to the FBI for its swift and careful work on this case and the work the Bureau does every day to protect kids.”
Hungerford was indicted by a grand jury for the crime back in June 2024 after charges were initially filed the month prior by criminal complaint with distribution of child pornography. Authorities said they served a federal search warrant that same day.
Officials said the crime took place in Aug. 2023 in Grandville. Hungerford recorded a young girl under the age of 18 engaged in sexually explicit activity, specifically depicting her private areas, without her knowledge or consent.
The recording was made on Hungerford's iPhone, according to officials, and saved on a removable storage device.
Hungerford has been in custody since his initial arrest.
