An Alabama man has been sentenced to 40 years in federal prison after being found guilty of stalking, extortion, and producing child pornography. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Northern Alabama confirmed the sentencing of Donald Wayne Carmody, 29, who pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to cyberstalking and child exploitation.
Details of the Case
According to court documents, Carmody used anonymous text messages to blackmail a woman by threatening to leak her private pictures online if she did not send him more explicit images. He also hacked into the victim’s social media accounts and accessed private content without permission.
Authorities arrested Carmody on cyberstalking and extortion charges. However, during the investigation, officers found a USB drive in his possession that contained images of child pornography involving two minors under 12 years old.
A special forensic team from the FBI analyzed the images on the USB drive and matched the hand in the images to Carmody’s hand using advanced forensic technology. This evidence confirmed his involvement in the production of child pornography.
Sentencing and Legal Consequences
On March 20, 2025, U.S. District Court Judge Liles C. Burke sentenced Carmody to:
- 480 months (40 years) in federal prison
- Lifetime supervised release after completing his sentence
- Mandatory registration as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA)
Official Statement from Authorities
U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples emphasized the severity of Carmody’s crimes in a public statement:
“This case is a reminder of the dangers of cyberstalking, online blackmail, and child exploitation. Our office remains committed to protecting victims and ensuring that those who commit such crimes face justice.”
Cybercrime and Its Growing Threat
Carmody’s case highlights the increasing problem of cyberstalking and online extortion. With social media and digital communication playing a significant role in everyday life, criminals use technology to manipulate and exploit victims.
Authorities encourage the public to stay vigilant and report suspicious online activity. Here are a few safety tips to protect yourself from cyberstalking and online extortion:
✔ Do not share personal information online, especially with strangers.
✔ Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on social media and email accounts.
✔ Never share sensitive photos or videos with anyone.
✔ Report threats immediately to law enforcement or cybersecurity professionals.
What This Means for Alabama and Beyond
The severe sentencing in this case sends a strong message that law enforcement agencies take cybercrime and child exploitation seriously. With increasing concerns over digital privacy and online harassment, authorities urge individuals to stay informed and protect their personal data.
Your Opinion Matters
What do you think about this case? Do you believe stricter online safety laws are needed? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Like, share, and follow for more updates on cybercrime cases, legal news, and public safety information.
Disclaimer – Our team has carefully fact-checked this article to make sure it’s accurate and free from any misinformation. We’re dedicated to keeping our content honest and reliable for our readers.