Charleston Man Pleads Guilty to Child Abuse Charges

A Charleston man, John Thorpe, has pleaded guilty to federal charges involving child sexual abuse material, including conspiracy and distribution. His case began in December last year when he allegedly exchanged disturbing messages with former Magistrate Judge James Gosnell Jr. via encrypted apps, discussing violent abuse of minors. In summer 2024, Gosnell traveled to Thorpe’s Florida home, where they viewed graphic material on a flash drive—later mailed back to Gosnell—and Thorpe sent additional disturbing content, including an image of a toddler, in August and September. Thorpe faces up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, restitution, and lifetime supervision. The case, led by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine Orville and Emily Limehouse, is still awaiting sentencing. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/f3174c6ac8e80b9b