SPOKANE, WA – A Washington man has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for distributing child sexual abuse material, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington.

Donald Eugene Griffin, Jr., 43, was sentenced by United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice to 144 months in prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release. Griffin is also required to register as a sex offender.

The case stems from a 2019 FBI investigation, during which agents identified Griffin as possessing child sexual abuse material. A search warrant executed at his residence in March 2020 led to the discovery of multiple explicit images on his electronic devices. Griffin admitted to using online platforms to obtain and distribute such material and to having discussions about engaging in sexual activity with minors.

Investigators also uncovered chats in which Griffin communicated with individuals appearing to be under 18. In these exchanges, he shared or solicited explicit material and spoke about sexual acts with minors. In early 2024, a civilian reported posing as an 11-year-old girl on Instagram and chatting with Griffin. He allegedly sent explicit images of himself and discussed sexual acts with the person he believed to be a child.

Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker described Griffin’s actions as “predatory and depraved,” and emphasized the collaborative effort of the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca Perez in securing the conviction.

FBI Seattle Special Agent in Charge W. Mike Herrington noted the sentencing coincided with the conclusion of Child Abuse Prevention Month and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting children and prosecuting offenders.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted under the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative, which focuses on combating child sexual exploitation and abuse.

For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit justice.gov/psc.