Jesse James Ladner Faces 20 Federal Counts in Dark-Web Child Pornography Case
Federal investigators traced a Boston-based dark-web forum account to a Pass Christian home where videos of minors as young as three were allegedly filmed.
By Robert Ward ·
Jesse James Ladner, 26, stands accused of producing and distributing child pornography through a dark-web forum, a federal affidavit reveals. The investigation began in Boston before Homeland Security agents tracked the digital activity to Ladner’s residence in Pass Christian, Mississippi.
A federal grand jury returned a true bill in August, charging Ladner with 20 counts. These include 14 counts for the production or attempted production of sexually explicit visual depictions of a minor, two counts for distribution, and four counts for possession. Agents arrested Ladner at his home in June.
Special agents from the Boston field office monitored a specific online account designated as a contributor. That account posted more than 1,400 items, including three videos of girls estimated to be as young as three years old engaged in sexual conduct. One video depicted a child defecating on herself, according to court filings.
Investigators believe the material was filmed in Harrison County and other locations between December 2019 and January 2021. A foreign law enforcement agency traced the account’s activity to an internet connection at the Pass Christian home, leading to the local arrest.
Ladner has pleaded not guilty to all 20 counts. His appointed public defender is Craig Rose of the Southern District of Mississippi. Federal District Court Judge Taylor McNeel set a trial date for Nov. 30. The judge also set a deadline of Nov. 10 for any plea announcement if Ladner intends to reach a deal with prosecutors.
