Pediatric Dentist Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child Pornography

ATLANTA - Paul Kim, a pediatric dentist, has pleaded guilty to possessing thousands of images and videos of minors, including some 12 years old and younger, engaging in sexually-explicit activity.

"Kim possessed materials depicting the sexual exploitation of minors at the same time that parents were entrusting their children to his pediatric care," said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. "Possessing child pornography exploits and abuses children, essentially creating lasting effects for the victims each time the images are distributed online."

"Every time child exploitation imagery is shared, it re-victimizes innocent and vulnerable children. Our office is focused on using all the resources needed for the very important work of protecting children in Georgia and beyond," said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. "This plea demonstrates that no person is above the law. Regardless of employment, wealth, or social status, the FBI will continue to seek out all individuals who seek to abuse children and victimize them through the downloading and possession of child pornography."

According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: An FBI investigation of Paul Kim resulted from a broader investigation into a commercial sexual exploitation ring which advertised and sold child pornography on several online platforms. FBI Special agents identified Kim as one of the suspected purchasers of the material.

In December 2023, the agents executed a search warrant for Kim and his residence in Sandy Springs, Georgia, seizing approximately 30 electronic devices. The agents located about 1,948 images and 798 videos of child pornography on these devices. Several videos in Kim's possession depicted prepubescent females engaged in sexual acts with adult males or objects.

Paul Bogeun Kim, 31, of Sandy Springs, pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography on August 23, 2024. Kim's sentencing is scheduled for November 21, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Thomas W. Thrash, Jr.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Dwayne A. Brown Jr. is prosecuting the case.

This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In February 2006, the Attorney General launched Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney's Offices around the country, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney's Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.