Gay porn star Austin Wolf is expected to plead guilty to at least one charge after being arrested on suspicion of distributing and receiving images of child abuse.
Wolf, whose real name is Justin Heath Smith, was arrested a year ago following an FBI investigation.
It is alleged that he sent and received “hundreds” of videos depicting child sexual abuse, including pre-pubescent youngsters and infants, using the messaging app Telegram.
According to court documents, a plea hearing is now scheduled for Friday (20 June) at the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, having originally been set to be heard earlier this week.
Within the documents, Thomas H Andrykovitz, wrote to ask judge Paul A Engelmayer for an adjournment because it was “in the government’s best interest ensure [Smith] receives the full effective assistance of counsel and that his plea is knowing and voluntary”.
Andrykovitz, who is representing Smith, went on to say: “This is a complex case involving a similarly complex plea agreement.
“Mr Smith intends to plead guilty to a mandatory minimum charge with a significant advisory range under… sentencing guidelines. Despite collaborative efforts between the parties, we have not had adequate time to fully prepare Mr Smith for… all required aspects of the plea because this hearing was scheduled yesterday.”
Andrykovitz had an “unavoidable scheduling conflict” which prevented him from representing his client at the original hearing date. “Given my long-standing representation of Mr Smith across a broad range of matters, my presence is essential to the integrity and effectiveness of the proceeding.”
The official complaint in the case showed that the investigation into the porn star began in April 2024. If convicted, 44-year-old Smith faces up to 20 years in prison for distributing and receiving images of child and up to 10 years for possession of images of child abuse.
The case continues.
The post Gay porn star Austin Wolf expected to plead guilty to child abuse image charge appeared first on PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news.