Brian Bluto, 60, formerly of Alburgh, Vermont, was sentenced on May 21, 2025, in United States District Court to 144 months’ imprisonment, equivalent to 12 years, for the distribution of child sexual abuse material.
The sentencing was handed down by United States District Judge Mary Kay Lanthier, who also imposed a 15-year term of supervised release to follow Bluto’s incarceration.
Bluto had previously pleaded guilty to the charge on October 21, 2024, and has remained in custody since that time.
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Court records revealed the disturbing details of Bluto’s crimes. He admitted to producing child sexual abuse material by secretly recording a minor child with whom he resided.
The recordings began when the victim was approximately 13 years old and continued for three years, until she was 16. Bluto then distributed still images and a video of the minor victim online to an individual he believed to be a private citizen, but who was, in fact, an undercover Australian law enforcement officer.
The Australian officer promptly alerted Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in the United States. This information led HSI to obtain a federal search warrant for Bluto’s Alburgh residence. During the search, investigators seized numerous electronic devices.
One device was discovered concealed within a backpack, with a homemade incision in the fabric allowing the camera lens to protrude covertly. The backpack was reportedly positioned to record in the bathroom of the residence.
A forensic examination of Bluto’s devices uncovered hundreds of images and videos depicting child sexual abuse, including material showing a toddler being sexually abused by an adult.
“We commend the outstanding investigatory work of Homeland Security Investigations, the Queensland, Australia, Police Service, and the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force,” Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher stated. “Their dedication was crucial in stopping this horrific abuse and holding the defendant accountable.”
The prosecution of the case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Ophardt. Bluto was represented by Assistant Federal Defenders Emily Kenyon and Steven Barth.
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