A Cumming man has been sentenced to 28 years of imprisonment after pleading guilty to multiple counts of producing child pornography. In August of last year, Edward “Eddie” Okenica, age 24 was accused of soliciting nude photos of young girls and then using those photos to blackmail them into sending more.
Investigators positively identified approximately 36 victims in the United States and overseas. But investigators estimate that Okenica coerced as many as 100 minor victims to send him child pornography.
According to a press release from the United States Attorney Byung J. “BJ” Pak, for at least two years prior to his arrest in August 2019, Okenica used Snapchat and Instagram to solicit sexually explicit photographs and videos from dozens and dozens of young girls. Okenica convinced many of these girls to send him explicit photos and videos by offering them “bribes” in the form of gift certificates or other token forms of payment. He even threatened to send the photos of a 12-year-old victim to all of her friends through Snapchat if she didn't supply him with more.
“Okenica victimized dozens of girls as young as 12 years old from his home,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “He is a sexual predator who exploited the vulnerability and fragility of his victims by relying on the relative anonymity of social media platforms. This case is a reminder that sextortion remains a huge threat to our youth and to their families and parents need to remain vigilant to guard against it by monitoring their children’s social media activities.”
The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office is credited with building the case that led to his conviction. Forsyth County Sheriff Ron Freeman especially praises the High Technology Crime Unit. “The High Technology Crime Unit is comprised of dedicated professionals who work diligently to build strong cases against criminals like Okenica who seek to target our children. I am happy that the FCSO could help build a case that the U.S. Attorney’s Office could prosecute federally,” says Freeman. He adds, “We will spare no expense or effort to identify and arrest anyone intent on preying on our most vulnerable.”
Okenica pleaded guilty to eleven counts of producing child pornography on March 5, 2020. He will be required to register as a sex offender upon release.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office.
This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
