Former Macon teacher sentenced after pleading guilty to possessing child sexual abuse material

[Artaxerxes II]

https://www.41nbc.com/update-former-mac ... rial-csam/

28-year-old Christian Baumgarth of Atlanta was sentenced to serve 72 months in prison, followed by 25 years of supervised release, on Wednesday.

UPDATE (11/20/24): 28-year-old Christian Baumgarth of Atlanta was sentenced to serve 72 months in prison, followed by 25 years of supervised release, on Wednesday.
He will also have to register as a sex offender upon release from prison.

UPDATE (7/8/24): 27-year-old Christian Baumgarth, a former teacher and volunteer youth ministry leader, pleaded guilty on Monday to possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in federal court and now faces up to 20 years in prison.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia, Baumgarth, who previously taught and coached at First Presbyterian Day (FPD) School in Macon from 2018-2023 and was a volunteer small group leader at Northway Church (2019-2023), admitted to one count of possession of child pornography before U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell. He now faces a maximum sentence of 20 years, a lifetime of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Baumgarth will also be required to register as a sex offender.

Baumgarth was taken into custody after his guilty plea. Federal sentences do not offer parole. Sentencing is scheduled for October 9.
“Sadly, those who perpetuate the online abuse of children can sometimes be found hiding in plain sight and interacting with children,” U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary said. “Our office and law enforcement at every level are working tirelessly to protect children from predators, and I commend the investigative work done in this case.”

Federal agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) targeted individuals using encrypted applications to distribute CSAM during the summer of 2023, leading to Baumgarth’s identification. During an August 1 search of his Macon home, agents seized several electronic devices. An investigation revealed that Baumgarth’s two iPhones contained 20 images and 13 videos of CSAM, including content depicting the abuse of infants and toddlers. Baumgarth confessed during an interview with law enforcement.

“Those who view and distribute child sexual abuse material perpetuate the victimization of the most vulnerable members of our society,” Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Atlanta Anthony J. Patrone said. “Those in positions of public trust are held to a higher standard as guardians of the innocent, and HSI Atlanta, with our law enforcement partners, will continue to seek justice for these victims by pursuing and holding accountable the predators dealing in this material.”
Baumgarth’s employment with FPD was terminated following the search warrant execution. The investigation is being conducted by HSI with assistance from the FBI. Deputy Criminal Chief Will Keyes is prosecuting the case for the Government.

ORIGINAL STORY (5/16/24):

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A former teacher and church youth ministry volunteer had his initial appearance in federal court Thursday afternoon following a grand jury indictment on charges of distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

27-year-old Christian Baumgarth of Atlanta, and formerly of Macon, is facing two counts of distribution of child pornography and two counts of possession of child pornography. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia, if convicted, Baumgarth faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and up to 20 years for each distribution count. Additionally, he faces up to 20 years for each possession count, a $250,000 fine per count, and up to a lifetime of supervised release.

The indictment, returned on May 14 and unsealed on Thursday, alleges that Baumgarth distributed digital video files on July 23, 2023, depicting a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. It also claims he possessed child pornography involving a prepubescent minor and a minor under 12 on his cellular devices on August 1, 2023.
Baumgarth was employed as a teacher and coach at First Presbyterian Day (FPD) School in Macon from 2018 to 2023 and served as a volunteer small group leader in the student ministry at Northway Church in Macon from 2019 to 2023. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia advises parents and guardians of children who may have encountered Baumgarth to contact Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) at 1-866-347-2423 with any concerns.
The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with assistance from the FBI. Deputy Criminal Chief Will Keyes is prosecuting the case for the government.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia says an indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.