Austin Wolf Sentenced to 19 Years in Federal Prison for Child Sexual Exploitation

Justin Heath Smith, known professionally as Austin Wolf, was a prominent figure in LGBTQ+ adult entertainment before his arrest in June 2024 on federal charges related to child sexual abuse materials . Federal prosecutors charged Smith with both the distribution and possession of hundreds of videos depicting the sexual abuse of children, including infants and prepubescent minors. The investigation, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, uncovered evidence through the Telegram messaging app and a search of Smith’s Manhattan apartment, where an SD card containing additional illegal material was seized .

Smith was taken into federal custody and underwent multiple preliminary hearings, with repeated continuances granted at the request of both prosecution and defense. These delays, which extended through several months, were largely attributed to ongoing plea negotiations and the complexities of the investigation .

According to the official press release from the United States Department of Justice, Smith ultimately pleaded guilty to federal charges of distribution and receipt of child pornography, as well as possession of child pornography . The prosecution presented detailed evidence of Smith’s activities, including the sending and receiving of hundreds of illegal videos via Telegram, as well as the storage of similar materials on physical media. Some of the videos depicted particularly egregious acts of abuse, including footage of children as young as 10 years old bound and assaulted by adults .

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, in a public statement, condemned Smith’s actions and called on anyone with additional information about the case to contact the FBI. Williams emphasized the seriousness of the crimes and reiterated the commitment of federal authorities to pursue justice for survivors of child sexual exploitation .

On June 17, 2025, Smith was sentenced to 19 years in federal prison. Under U.S. law, the minimum mandatory sentence for these offenses is five years, with a maximum of 20 years . The judge in the case cited the overwhelming evidence and gravity of the abuse in issuing the sentence.

Law enforcement agencies continue to urge anyone with knowledge of Smith’s conduct or similar offenses to contact authorities, emphasizing ongoing investigations and the importance of community vigilance. The FBI maintains an open tip line for reports of child sexual exploitation (1-800-CALL-FBI), and federal prosecutors have signaled their intention to pursue related cases with rigor and sensitivity .