Former airman pleads guilty to sex crimes against children

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. - A former airman stationed at Scott Air Force Base appeared in district court to plead guilty to federal charges for sexually exploiting minors and distributing images and videos of child sexual abuse material.

Michael E. McCay, 32, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of distribution of child pornography.

"Sex crimes against children are a profound betrayal of everything decent because they exploit the innocent, shatter trust, and inflict lasting harm. This former airman has deeply dishonored himself and the military he served," said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. "Our military institutions and servicemembers command the highest respect, and we are proud of our strong partnership with Scott Air Force Base. Together we remain committed to protecting our country and holding this offender fully accountable under the law."

According to court documents, law enforcement executed a search warrant on McCay's residence on Scott Air Force Base related to receipt and distribution of child pornography in February 2023. Agents reviewed McCay's cell phone and identified more than 4,000 known images and videos of CSAM and more than 18,000 unidentified images.

Agents also found communications with purported minors on McCay's cell phone. He admitted to requesting sexually explicit images of the minors, sending threatening messages and distributing the received CSAM.

"The exploitation of children has a lasting and profound effect on everyone involved, from the victims to the investigators," said Special Agent Elijah Bell with the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations. "Through the collaboration between our agents, the U.S. Attorney's Office, and our international and local law enforcement partners, we were able to swiftly pursue justice."

In January 2024, a second search warrant was executed on McCay's new cell phone. Agents again located thousands of images and videos of CSAM and additional communications with minors.

Law enforcement identified at least two minor victims, a 12-year-old and an 11-year-old, that McCay was sexually exploiting through online applications, including Roblox, Kik, Snapchat and Likee.

Convictions for sexual exploitation of a minor are punishable by a minimum of 15 years up to 30 years' imprisonment and distribution of child pornography is punishable by a minimum of 5 years up to 20 years. McCay's sentencing is scheduled for April 7 at the federal courthouse in East St. Louis.

The U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations led the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ali Burns is prosecuting the case.