Charlyna Butterworth, a 29-year-old resident of Aurora, Colorado, has been sentenced to 36 years in prison followed by supervised release for life. She pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography.
According to the plea agreement, Butterworth repeatedly sexually abused three minors under the age of five who were in her care. She also created material documenting the abuse.
“This is a serious sentence for a serious crime,” said United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Peter McNeilly. “I am grateful that this individual is no longer in a position to harm another child.”
The sentencing was overseen by United States District Judge Gordon P. Gallagher.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation Denver Field Office conducted the investigation, and Assistant United States Attorney Alecia L. Riewerts prosecuted the case.
This prosecution falls under Project Safe Childhood, an initiative started by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. The program brings together federal, state, and local resources to find and prosecute individuals exploiting children online and to identify victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.
