Darren Ringenberg, a 30-year-old from Louisville, Kentucky, has been sentenced to 45 years in federal prison for sexual exploitation of a child. The sentence includes an additional ten years of supervised release. Ringenberg was previously convicted in Kentucky for possession of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor and was required to register as a sex offender for life.
In June 2023, Ringenberg used the Snapchat username “devil_hell6969” to communicate with a nine-year-old girl in Monroe County, Indiana. He coerced her into sending sexually explicit images and videos by threatening to hack her social media accounts. He also falsely claimed to be sixteen years old and saved many of the images and conversations without the child’s knowledge.
After receiving information about his activities online, law enforcement conducted searches of Ringenberg’s Snapchat account and residence. They discovered text messages with various unidentified minors and numerous screen recordings of minors engaged in explicit conduct on his phone.
John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, stated: “Sex offenders often use manipulation and threats to sexually exploit children with utter disregard for the lasting trauma they inflict.” He urged parents to discuss online activities with their children. FBI Indianapolis Special Agent Timothy J. O’Malley added that technology allows predators to reach across state lines easily but assured that justice would prevail.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Bloomington Police Department, with Chief U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt imposing the sentence. Assistant U.S. Attorney MaryAnn T. Mindrum prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation through coordinated efforts among federal, state, and local resources.
For victims seeking assistance or more information on child exploitation resources, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdin/project-safe-childhood
