Federal Jury Convicts Bahamian Citizen Of Child Exploitation Crimes

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced today that Chrystano Peder Carmelo Cooper, age 21, of Freeport, Grand Bahama, was found guilty at trial by a federal jury of four counts relating to the production, distribution, receipt, and possession of child sexual abuse materials.

The jury trial began with testimony on November 12, 2024, and concluded on November 14, 2024, with the guilty verdicts.

During the trial, the United States presented evidence that between December of 2022 and February of 2024, Cooper exploited a minor child through the production and sharing of child sexual abuse while attending college in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The guilty verdicts were the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the trial and ordered the completion of a presentence report. The sentencing will be scheduled following completion of the report. Cooper will remain in the custody of the United States Marshal until sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessie K. Pippin and Jessica Bove represented the United States.