Andrew Allen Blakney, a 35-year-old registered sex offender from Seattle, Washington, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for possession of child sexual abuse images. Blakney, who had previously absconded from community control and prompted an escape warrant, pleaded guilty to the charges on March 4, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida.
In October 2024, Blakney traveled to Jacksonville, Florida, to meet a child he had connected with online. During his stay, he engaged in sexual activities with the child before being apprehended by the Florida Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force's Jacksonville Office on his outstanding warrants. This arrest marked the beginning of a deeper investigation into his activities.
A follow-up investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) was launched after Blakney's arrest, and the child was located in his company. A search warrant issued for Blakney's phone uncovered child sexual abuse materials, which solidified the case against him. His sentencing was handled by Chief U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard.
The efforts to bring Blakney to justice were a coordinated attempt involving the United States Marshals Service, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the aforementioned Florida Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force and HSI. Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Washington took the lead in prosecuting the case, which was part of Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative aimed to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse.
