Former Adult Performer Austin Wolf Expected to Plead Guilty to Federal Child Pornography Charges

Justin Heath Smith, known in the adult entertainment industry as Austin Wolf, is set to plead guilty to federal child pornography charges after being held without bail since his arrest in June 2024. Smith allegedly exchanged hundreds of videos of child sexual abuse, including those featuring prepubescent children and infants, via the encrypted messaging app Telegram, with prosecutors highlighting a particularly disturbing video showing a 10-year-old child being bound and raped. The case was initiated following an undercover FBI operation that led to a search of Smith's Manhattan apartment, where agents found an SD card containing hundreds of illegal videos. Smith's defense attorney stated his intention to plead guilty to a mandatory minimum charge with a significant advisory range under federal sentencing guidelines, emphasizing the need for adequate preparation to ensure a knowing and voluntary plea. The charges carry potential prison sentences ranging from a mandatory minimum of five years up to 20 years for distribution and receipt, and up to 10 years for possession. This case has reverberated through the adult entertainment industry and LGBTQ+ communities, highlighting serious concerns about exploitation and abuse.