Senior U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan sentenced Matthew Christopher Yates, 31, of Hastings, to 15 years in federal prison for attempting to entice and use a child to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a video of sexual abuse. The sentencing took place in federal court in Jacksonville, Florida.
Yates was also ordered to serve a 10-year term of supervised release following his prison sentence and must register as a sex offender under federal law. The former educator pleaded guilty to the charges on Aug. 27, 2025.
At the time of his arrest on March 11, 2022, Yates was employed as an eighth-grade teacher at a school in St. Augustine. The charges stem from his attempt to entice a 14-year-old child to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a video documenting the abuse.
The case highlights the federal government's commitment to prosecuting crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children, particularly when committed by individuals in positions of trust such as educators. Federal law enforcement agencies have increasingly focused on crimes involving the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, recognizing the severe harm these offenses cause to victims.
Under federal law, attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions carries severe penalties. The offense is prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 2251, which addresses the sexual exploitation of children. This statute makes it a federal crime to employ, use, persuade, induce, entice, or coerce any minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing any visual depiction of such conduct.
The 15-year sentence reflects the serious nature of the offense and the need to protect children from sexual exploitation. Federal sentencing guidelines for child exploitation offenses typically result in substantial prison terms, particularly for cases involving the production of child sexual abuse material.
The supervised release term that follows Yates' incarceration will include strict conditions designed to monitor his activities and prevent future offenses against children. Sex offender registration requirements will remain in effect for an extended period, providing law enforcement and the public with information about his conviction and whereabouts.
The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida, which covers the Jacksonville area where the sentencing occurred. Federal prosecutors in this district regularly handle cases involving crimes against children, working closely with federal law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute these offenses.
The investigation and prosecution of child exploitation cases often involve coordination between multiple agencies, including the FBI, which leads the federal response to crimes against children. These cases require specialized expertise and resources to properly investigate the complex digital evidence often involved in modern child exploitation offenses.
For victims of child sexual abuse, the federal criminal justice system provides various forms of support and protection. Victim services programs work to ensure that young victims receive appropriate counseling and support throughout the legal process.
The sentence serves as a reminder of the severe consequences facing those who attempt to sexually exploit children. Federal law enforcement agencies continue to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of these crimes, recognizing that protecting children from sexual exploitation requires sustained effort and significant resources.
Educational institutions across Florida and nationwide have implemented enhanced background check procedures and safeguarding policies in response to cases involving educators who abuse their positions of trust. School districts regularly review their hiring practices and monitoring systems to prevent individuals with criminal intent from gaining access to students.
The case also underscores the importance of reporting suspected child abuse to appropriate authorities. Federal law requires certain professionals, including educators, to report suspected abuse, and failure to do so can result in additional criminal charges.
Yates will serve his sentence in federal prison, where he will be separated from the general population for his own safety, as is common practice for inmates convicted of crimes against children. Upon his eventual release, he will face ongoing supervision and monitoring designed to prevent reoffending and protect potential future victims.