Mississippi Man Sentenced to 22 Years for Role in Online Exploitation Group, Attempted to Meet 13-Year-Old in Wisconsin
WISCONSIN — A Mississippi man has been sentenced to 22 years in federal prison after authorities say he not only produced child pornography but also served as an administrator in a nationwide online child exploitation group. The man also attempted to meet a 13-year-old girl in Wisconsin after grooming her online.
Federal prosecutors identified the suspect as 34-year-old Thomas Hudson, a resident of Grenada, Mississippi. He pleaded guilty to charges of producing child pornography on June 10, 2025, and was sentenced this week by Chief U.S. District Judge James Peterson.
Attempt to Meet Wisconsin Teen
According to court documents, Hudson flew to Minnesota in August 2024 intending to meet a 13-year-old girl he had been communicating with online.
Investigators said he located her home address but became stranded in Minneapolis. Acting on a tip, law enforcement identified, arrested, and charged him before he could reach the girl in Wisconsin.
When officers searched Hudson’s electronic devices, they discovered multiple other victims linked to his predatory activities.
Involvement in Exploitation Groups
Authorities further revealed that Hudson played a leadership role in an online child exploitation group with hundreds of members.
As an administrator, he coordinated communication and was active in additional groups where adults threatened violence against underage girls who refused to create explicit material.
At sentencing, prosecutors emphasized the scope of Hudson’s influence in these forums, describing him as a significant player in online predation networks.
Victim Impact and Court’s Response
A relative of one of Hudson’s victims testified in court, describing him as a “monster.” The family said their child was left terrified, afraid to even leave the house out of fear Hudson might return.
Judge Peterson condemned Hudson’s behavior as “cruel and manipulative,” calling it among the worst cases ever presented before his court.
Acting U.S. Attorney Chadwick M. Elgersma stated, “Today’s sentencing reaffirms my office’s steadfast commitment to protecting our children, the most vulnerable among us, from predators who exploit and harm them online.”
FBI Nationwide Investigation
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) coordinated efforts in Hudson’s case, working across multiple states, including:
- Alabama
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
- Oregon
- Tennessee
- Washington
- Wisconsin
FBI Milwaukee Special Agent in Charge Michael Hensle added, “Mr. Hudson’s inexcusable actions of exploiting minors online as a group administrator with hundreds of members will not be tolerated.”
Sentence and Release Conditions
Hudson was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release.
Prosecutors stressed that his case demonstrates both the growing dangers of online child exploitation networks and the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies across state lines.
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