Ladarrius Rasheed Martin, a 38-year-old resident of Ridgeland, Mississippi, has pleaded guilty to charges involving the distribution and receipt of child pornography and interstate travel with intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor. The announcement was made by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
According to court records, Martin traveled from Mississippi to Pensacola, Florida, multiple times between September 2023 and June 2024 to engage in sexual activity with a minor. Investigators obtained social media records showing messages exchanged between Martin and the victim that included child pornography and evidence of his repeated travel for illegal purposes.
U.S. Attorney Heekin stated: “Our state and federal law enforcement partners work tirelessly to identify and intercept predators like this defendant who seek to exploit and victimize our children, and I deeply appreciate their efforts that led to this successful prosecution. My office will continue to prosecute such offenders to the fullest extent of the law to keep our children safe.”
Martin is scheduled for sentencing on January 13, 2026, at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers. He faces up to 70 years in prison, lifetime supervised release, fines up to $750,000, and restitution.
The investigation was conducted by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey M. Tharp is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution falls under Project Safe Childhood, an initiative started by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation through coordinated efforts among federal, state, and local agencies. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices serving as principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. Additional public court documents are available online at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. Further details about the office can be found at http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
