KC Reporter

An Ashland, Missouri man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for the sexual exploitation of a child. Scott Alan Barker, aged 33, received his sentence from U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes on February 25. In addition to his prison term, Barker will undergo 15 years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender following his incarceration.

Barker pleaded guilty on August 8, 2024, to producing child pornography. The investigation into Barker's activities began on July 11, 2023, when federal agents obtained a video from law enforcement in the United Kingdom. The video showed a man identified as Barker with an approximately one-year-old child engaged in sexually explicit conduct. This led authorities to execute a search warrant at Barker's residence on July 17, 2023.

The court documents revealed that Barker was involved in online video chats with an individual known as "Emma Long." However, "Emma Long" was actually an adult male using this persona to manipulate others into committing acts of abuse. Barker admitted that he believed he was communicating with a teenage girl while engaging in these activities.

Further forensic analysis of Barker's cell phone uncovered several videos showing him recording young women without their knowledge at various locations including Mobile, Alabama; Orlando, Florida; and multiple cities in Missouri.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Turner prosecuted the case which was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations under Project Safe Childhood. This initiative by the Department of Justice aims to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse through coordinated efforts across federal, state, and local levels.

For more information about Project Safe Childhood and Internet safety education resources, visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.