Long Island Man Convicted of Crimes Against Children, Including Sexual Exploitation and Receipt of Child Pornography

Earlier today, a federal jury in Central Islip convicted Jacob Israel Walden on all eight counts of a superseding indictment charging him with sexual exploitation of children, receipt of child pornography, possession of child pornography, and access with intent to view child pornography. The verdict followed a three-day trial before United States District Judge Gary R. Brown. When sentenced, Walden faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years' imprisonment and up to life imprisonment.

Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Michael S. McCarthy, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations, New Jersey (HSI New Jersey), announced the verdict.

"Walden paid children to create sexually explicit images and videos for his own gratification," stated United States Attorney Nocella. "Today's verdict holds him accountable for exploiting those children. I thank the victims who came forward and testified about his depraved conduct."

As proven at trial, law enforcement identified Walden, a Long Island resident and healthcare executive, as a repeat purchaser of child sexual abuse material from an online production and distribution ring. Walden also used social media and encrypted messaging services to communicate with minors and induce them to produce sexually explicit images and videos of themselves in exchange for money. Walden provided step-by-step instructions to his victims about the content they should produce for him, insisted that they address him as "daddy," and sent electronic payments after receiving the requested material. He also used his minor victims to recruit other minors for his gratification. The evidence also showed that Walden purchased child sexual abuse material from the internet and stored it on his cellphone.

This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. The initiative brings together federal, state and local resources to identify and rescue victims and investigate and prosecute those who exploit children. For more information, visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

The government's case is being handled by the Criminal Section of the Office's Long Island Division. Trial Attorney Leonid Sandlar and Assistant United States Attorney Michael D. Manzo are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialists David Harrison and Adam Bernard.

The Defendant:

JACOB ISRAEL WALDEN
Age: 40
Valley Stream, New York

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-521 (S-1) (GRB)