A Russellville man has been sentenced to 210 months, or 17.5 years, in federal prison for attempted production of child pornography, according to the Office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas.
United States Attorney Jonathan D. Ross announced that Jackson Whitt, 29, of Russellville, was sentenced Wednesday by United States District Judge James M. Moody Jr. Whitt was also ordered to serve 10 years of supervised release following his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Court records show Whitt was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 7, 2024, on 17 counts of attempted production of child pornography, 5 counts of receipt of child pornography, and 1 count of possession of child pornography. On February 6, 2025, Whitt pleaded guilty to attempted production of child pornography.
Investigators say the case began on January 18, 2024, when a parent contacted law enforcement after discovering explicit messages between her high school-aged daughter’s friend and an adult male through an Instagram account. Authorities later identified the adult male as Whitt. According to investigators, Whitt sent the minor numerous sexual images, videos, and messages and requested explicit photos and videos.
A search warrant was executed at Whitt’s residence on January 25, 2024, where multiple electronic devices were seized. Authorities say Whitt’s cell phone contained approximately 150 sexually explicit images of the minor victim and at least 2 videos. Investigators also found additional child sexual abuse material involving other children.
The case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative led by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat child exploitation and abuse.
The investigation involved the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with assistance from the Eufaula Police Department, Pope County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Arkansas State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kristin Bryant and Shelby Shelton.
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