Austin Keith Hibbert, a 25-year-old resident of Tallahassee, Florida, has been sentenced to 11 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to several charges related to child exploitation. The charges include attempting to entice or persuade a minor to engage in sexual activity, attempting international travel for illicit sexual conduct, and transferring obscene material to a person under the age of 16. The sentencing was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin stated: “This case was the result of incredible collaboration between our local, federal and international law enforcement partners to identify this sexual predator and stop him before he could victimize the minor child he was seeking to exploit. I am proud of the work of my office to build this successful prosecution and hold this offender accountable for his disgusting crimes.”
According to court documents, Hibbert communicated almost daily with a 13-year-old child from Estonia between May 2023 and August 2024 using multiple social media platforms. Their interaction began through an online game and quickly became sexual in nature. Hibbert expressed intentions to travel from Florida to Estonia specifically to meet the child for sexual purposes and sent more than twelve explicit videos during their communications.
In August 2024, authorities discovered that Hibbert had applied for a U.S. passport and booked an international flight from Tallahassee to Estonia. On August 12, law enforcement intercepted him at Tallahassee International Airport as he attempted to board his flight. Items found on his person included his passport, a bracelet, and condoms—items indicating intent consistent with meeting the minor abroad. A subsequent search of electronic devices confirmed his plans and communications with the child.
FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley commented: “This case demonstrates the FBI’s global reach and unwavering commitment to protecting children everywhere,” adding that cooperation among domestic and international agencies helped prevent Hibbert from crossing borders for exploitation.
Rait Pikaro, Head of Crime Bureau at North Prefecture for the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board said: “Estonian Police and Border Guard Board is grateful to the FBI and the Northern District of Florida U.S. Attorney’s Office for great cooperation in this grave case,” further noting that thanks to U.S. colleagues no direct crime occurred in Estonia.
The investigation involved coordination between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Tallahassee Police Department, and Estonian authorities. Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen prosecuted the case.
This prosecution falls under Project Safe Childhood—a national initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child exploitation through coordinated efforts across federal, state, and local levels (more information available at www.projectsafechildhood.gov). The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one among 94 offices nationwide serving as principal litigators under direction from the Attorney General; additional resources can be accessed via its official website http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
