Sex offender accused of receiving and distributing child pornography, sentenced to federal prison

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – U.S. District Court Judge William H. Steele on Tuesday imposed a 20-year prison sentence on a Foley man for receiving and distributing child pornography, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama said

Charles Joseph Thorne Floyd pleaded guilty to the charge on June 25.

The case dates back to July and August 2023, when a detective with the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force identified the address of an Internet service provider that was distributing child pornography, court documents show. The detective was able to download approximately 90 videos of child pornography and traced the IP address to Floyd’s home in Foley.

According to court documents, a search of Floyd’s phone revealed search terms indicating child sexual abuse material and 321 images of child pornography.

Court records also showed that Floyd pleaded guilty last Nov. 21 in Conecuh County to one count of second-degree sodomy for crimes that occurred in 2016 involving a minor.

In Tuesday’s ruling, the judge also imposed a 25-year prison sentence after Floyd’s prison term. While in jail, Floyd will have to undergo sex crimes treatment, testing and treatment for substance abuse, and mental health treatment. After his release, he must register as a sex offender and must no longer have contact with minors.