Joseph H. Thompson, U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota | Department of Justice
Joseph H. Thompson, U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota | Department of Justice
Samuel Eric Snell, 46, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release for producing child pornography. The sentencing was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson.
“There is nothing more despicable than repeatedly abusing children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “We are seeing too many cases like this in Minnesota and every single one of them is unacceptable. Children in Minnesota deserve our protection and those who exploit them will face severe federal consequences.”
According to court records, Snell used the gaming platform Discord over several years to solicit and receive more than 400 nude images from minor girls while posing as a man in his early 20s. Authorities stated that he targeted children as young as 12 years old, using deception to coerce at least ten minors into creating explicit material. Investigators found that Snell also met with some victims in person.
During sentencing arguments, prosecutors highlighted that Snell deliberately chose victims who were vulnerable due to their age or life circumstances, engaging in a pattern of manipulation across multiple states involving thousands of messages.
U.S. District Judge John R. Tunheim presided over the case and commented on the impact of the crimes: “This is a long sentence, but it is justified” primarily because Snell’s many victims would suffer traumatic effects of his crimes “probably for the rest of their lives.”
“Samuel Snell is a classic child predator, and today he received an appropriately harsh sentence,” said FBI Minneapolis Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. “Snell targeted vulnerable children, including those who had existing mental health concerns. He callously groomed and manipulated at least 10 children with total disregard for their wellbeing. The FBI will work tirelessly to identify and arrest anyone who preys on innocent children.”
The investigation was conducted by the FBI with assistance from local law enforcement agencies in Inver Grove Heights and Woodbury.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristian C. Weir prosecuted the case.
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