Shawn Ryan Budovic

Shawn Ryan Budovic pleaded guilty in federal court to the production of child pornography after he lured and manipulated a minor into exchanging sexually explicit images online.

According to U.S. Attorney Byung J. Pak, the charges, and other information presented in court: Budovic used the messenger application Kik to meet his former girlfriend when she was a minor. Budovic began an online relationship with the minor, and over time Budovic groomed her to believe that his sexual interest in children was normal. He discussed his sexual interest in young children with his girlfriend and sent her images of child pornography. Eventually, Budovic asked his minor girlfriend for sexually explicit photographs of her younger siblings, who were as young as three, five, and nine years old at the time. At Budovic’s urging, the minor girlfriend ultimately sent him multiple sexually explicit photos of her three-year-old and nine-year-old sisters. Homeland Security Investigations agents found pornographic photos of the children on Budovic’s phone when they executed a search warrant at his home.

28-year-old Shawn Ryan Budovic of Cartersville pleaded guilty to the offense of production of child pornography on May 1st. He is facing a sentence of 25 years in prison, which is a binding sentencing recommendation pending approval by the Court. Budovic’s sentencing is scheduled for July 13th.

This case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jolee Porter is prosecuting the case.

This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In February 2006, the Attorney General launched Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices around the country, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, the website is projectsafechildhood.gov.