Investigators say the now-dismantled dark web platforms were among the most disturbing ever uncovered, with sections dedicated to infants, toddlers, and violent sadism. Members set rules, held staff meetings, and enforced “posting standards” for CSAM.
Alongside Katsampes’ sentencing, federal prosecutors in Florida secured convictions against eight men who helped operate one of the largest targeted sites:
Selwyn David Rosenstein (FL) — 28 years
Matthew Branden Garrell (NC) — 20 years, 10 months
Robert Preston Boyles (TN) — 23 years, 4 months
Gregory Malcolm Good (NV) — 25 years, 10 months
William Michael Spearman (AL) — life in prison
Joseph Addison Martin (WA) — 42 years
Joseph Robert Stewart (WA) — 23 years, 9 months
Keith David McIntosh (MI) — 55 years
Several others received terms between six and 14 years. Two suspects died before charges were filed, and arrests were also made in Europe and Africa through partnerships with law enforcement abroad.
Operation Grayskull was led by DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and the FBI’s Child Exploitation Unit under Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched in 2006.
“Let this be a clear warning,” said U.S. Attorney Hayden O’Byrne of Florida. “We will relentlessly pursue and prosecute anyone engaged in such atrocities, no matter how they attempt to cover their tracks.”
