WILMINGTON, N.C. — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - North Carolina, Eastern), published as received.

WILMINGTON, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Jeffrey Bryant Champion, age 37, to 29 years in federal prison for producing child sexual abuse material.  Champion pleaded guilty to the charges.

According to court documents and other information presented in court, Champion met a minor victim in Thailand and began sexually abusing her when she was only fourteen years old. For two years, he traveled to Thailand and repeatedly sexually abused her, producing many child sexual abuse material videos. He also emotionally abused her, belittling her, and calling her cruel names. In November 2024, he wired money to her in Thailand for her to fly to the United States and stay with him. This prompted an international rescue in early December 2024.

“We will not tolerate this type of depraved behavior.  While this is the specific conduct proved in court, a disgusting predator like this should never be allowed to hurt another child.” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle.

"Jeffrey Champion thought he could avoid detection by leaving the country, kidnapping a young girl, and bringing her to North Carolina to commit his egregious offenses. Our investigation and prosecution team displayed the global reach of federal law to bring him to justice, and his prison sentence serves as a reminder of the FBI’s commitment to protect children and crush violent crime," said Reid Davis, the FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina.

Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The FBI, Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lynchburg (VA) Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin C. Blondel  prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. Click or tap here to enter text..