John Paul Barsch III, a former soldier stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison and will be subject to lifetime supervised release after pleading guilty to one count of producing child pornography. The sentencing was announced by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado.
According to information from the plea agreement, Barsch committed sexual acts with an infant or toddler under his care on several occasions between November 2018 and March 2020. He recorded these acts and distributed at least one video to another individual located in the United Kingdom. Authorities discovered Barsch’s actions after arresting the recipient of the videos and finding conversations with Barsch during a search of electronic devices.
“Crimes against children are some of the most despicable in our society and this sentence demonstrates the magnitude of the crimes committed,” said United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Peter McNeilly.
“Homeland Security Investigations will not tolerate the vile and reprehensible exploitation of children, especially by those entrusted with their care. The sentencing of this individual sends a clear and unyielding message: no position of authority or service will shield predators from the full force of justice,” said HSI Denver Special Agent in Charge Steve Cagen. “Let this serve as a stark warning—there is no place in our society for such heinous acts, and we will stop at nothing to protect our children and uphold the rule of law.”
United States District Judge Charlotte N. Sweeney oversaw Barsch’s sentencing. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation, while Assistant United States Attorney Melissa Hindman prosecuted the case.
This prosecution was part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative started by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation online through coordinated efforts among federal, state, and local agencies. More details about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.
Case Number: 24-cr-00028-CNS
