Federal prosecutors say a former Navarre gymnastics coach turned social-media content creator has admitted she helped run a criminal enterprise built on the sexual exploitation of children.
Theresa Mitchell, 44, pleaded guilty Monday in federal court to a slate of charges tied to producing and selling sexually explicit images and videos of minors. Prosecutors say Mitchell acknowledged taking part in a scheme that monetized illegal material through social platforms, messaging apps and subscription websites. She was arrested in March and remains in federal custody.
Prosecutors describe alleged scheme
According to federal prosecutors, Mitchell pleaded guilty to conspiracy to produce and distribute child pornography, two counts of production of child pornography, one count of receipt of child pornography, one count of possession of child pornography and a conspiracy to commit money laundering. Court documents state that between 2023 and 2025 she conspired with Christopher Buckeridge to produce and sell images and videos showing minor children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, according to a press release from the U.S. Department of Justice.
Arrest and local reporting
A federal magistrate judge issued arrest warrants for Mitchell and Buckeridge on March 17. Mitchell was arrested by federal agents in central Pennsylvania on March 19 and has remained in custody since then, according to local coverage. News4JAX reports that prosecutors allege Mitchell received hundreds of thousands of dollars from sales of the material and that Buckeridge sent her hundreds of images and videos, including content involving prepubescent children.
Penalties and next hearing
On the production and conspiracy counts, Mitchell faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison. The receipt and possession counts and the money laundering conspiracy each carry maximum terms of 20 years. Prosecutors say a U.S. district judge will determine her sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. Mitchell will also be required to pay restitution to victims and register as a sex offender under SORNA, with a sentencing hearing set for Oct. 14, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Who investigated
The plea was announced by federal authorities including the Justice Department, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida and the FBI’s Jacksonville Field Office. News4JAX notes that the investigation involved Homeland Security Investigations and IRS Criminal Investigation working alongside the FBI.
Bigger picture and reporting resources
Advocates and law enforcement say the internet and paid subscription platforms have opened powerful new channels for offenders to market illegal content, and reporting data shows sharp increases in online exploitation reports in recent years. Data from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children points to major growth in CyberTipline reports and related trends, and the center maintains educational resources as well as a CyberTipline for reporting suspected online child sexual exploitation.
