John Paul Barsch III, a former soldier stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison and will be subject to lifetime supervised release after pleading guilty to one count of production of child pornography. The sentencing was announced by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado.
According to court documents, between November 2018 and March 2020, Barsch committed sex acts on an infant or toddler who was in his custody. He recorded these acts and distributed at least one video to another individual located in the United Kingdom. Law enforcement discovered Barsch’s actions after arresting the recipient of the videos; a search of that person’s devices led authorities to conversations with Barsch.
United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Peter McNeilly stated, “Crimes against children are some of the most despicable in our society and this sentence demonstrates the magnitude of the crimes committed.”
Steve Cagen, Special Agent in Charge at Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Denver, said, “Homeland Security Investigations will not tolerate the vile and reprehensible exploitation of children, especially by those entrusted with their care. The sentencing of this individual sends a clear and unyielding message: no position of authority or service will shield predators from the full force of justice. Let this serve as a stark warning—there is no place in our society for such heinous acts, and we will stop at nothing to protect our children and uphold the rule of law.”
The case was overseen by United States District Judge Charlotte N. Sweeney. HSI conducted the investigation while Assistant United States Attorney Melissa Hindman prosecuted.
This prosecution falls under Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 that coordinates federal, state, and local efforts to address child sexual exploitation online and assist victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.
Case Number: 24-cr-00028-CNS
