Kyle Kenneth Castino, 36, was sentenced on Apr. 8 to more than 16 years in federal prison, followed by eight years of supervised release and $35,000 restitution for distribution of child pornography.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to address the exploitation of children through digital platforms. The sentencing reflects the seriousness with which federal courts treat crimes involving child sexual abuse material.
According to authorities, the investigation began after Facebook and Google reported uploads of child sexual abuse material to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The reports led investigators from the State Bureau of Investigations (SBI), Garner Police Department, and Selma Police Department to an IP address associated with Castino’s home in Garner. When police learned that Castino had moved to Selma, a search warrant was executed at his new residence.
During the search, officers seized digital devices containing large quantities of illegal material. Castino admitted having a perverted sexual interest in children. Authorities found images and videos on his phone, thumb drive, and other devices stored in a lockbox inside his house. Law enforcement also discovered that he had produced images involving a child and possessed nearly 385,000 images and more than 3,000 videos depicting sexual abuse.
W. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina announced the sentence following its issuance by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The case was investigated by multiple agencies including Garner Police Department, Selma Police Department, and SBI; Assistant U.S. Attorney Charity Wilson prosecuted.
