SHELTON, CT — A Shelton man has been sentenced to 12.5 years in federal prison for offenses involving the sexual abuse and exploitation of minors.
Burnest Geyer Jr., 32, of Shelton, was sentenced to 150 months in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney David X. Sullivan announced Thursday.
Geyer pleaded guilty on July 28 to charges including attempted production of child sexual abuse material.
The investigation began after law enforcement learned Geyer possessed child sexual abuse material and communicated with others about it using the encrypted messaging app Telegram.
In July 2024, Geyer shared images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children during online communications, according to authorities.
Geyer was arrested on Oct. 8, 2024, following a court-authorized search of his Shelton residence.
Investigators seized his iPhone and other evidence, which revealed more than 3,000 images and videos of child sexual abuse material, including material involving infants and toddlers.
Further investigation showed Geyer used Telegram and WhatsApp to communicate with others about his sexual interest in minors and offered to pay individuals to sexually exploit children over live video calls.
Geyer has been in custody since Aug. 5, after his bond was revoked.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Shelton Police Department and other local departments.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Gordon and is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative.
