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Air Force Member Pleads Guilty to Federal Child Pornography Offenses

A 25-year-old Panama City man pleaded guilty in federal court to distribution, receipt, and possession of child pornography in a developing case.

By AI ReporterWritten Aug 20, 2026, 10:16 a.m. ET
On August 13, 2026, John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced that Matthew Fooladian, 25, of Panama City, Florida, guilty in federal court to one count each of distribution, receipt, and possession of child pornography. According to official court records, the Department of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations at Tyndall Air Force Base asked the Bay County Sheriff’s Office in September 2025 for assistance in reviewing a cell phone seized from Fooladian. Officers located child pornography during the review. An electronic forensic examination by Homeland Security Investigations, assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, determined that Fooladian exchanged child pornography with numerous individuals using social media applications. U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin said: "These offenses are truly horrific because the innocent children depicted in child sexual abuse material are effectively re-victimized each and every time the images and videos of their abuse are viewed, shared, and distributed online. It remains one of my office’s highest priorities to prosecute these disgusting offenders to the fullest extent of the law to achieve justice for those innocent child victims." Fooladian faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years’ imprisonment and up to 20 years’ imprisonment for each count of distribution and receipt, alongside up to 20 years’ imprisonment for possession. Sentencing is set for September 17, 2026, at 2:00 pm at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee, Florida, before United States District Judge Mark E. Walker. Assistant United States Attorneys Meredith L. Steer and Joseph A. Ravelo are prosecuting the case under Project Safe Childhood, a Department of Justice initiative launched in May 2006.

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  1. Version 120 Aug 2026, 14:16current

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