Oklahoma City Man Convicted of Producing Child Pornography

OKLAHOMA CITY – NATHAN BENFALL, 34, of Oklahoma City, pleaded guilty today to producing child pornography, announced United States Attorney Robert J. Troester.

On October 5, 2022, a federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment against Benfall.  Counts 1 and 2 alleged Benfall sexually exploited a child on two separate occasions.  Count 3 alleged Benfall distributed child pornography.  Count 4 alleged Benfall possessed child pornography. 

Today, Benfall pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Stephen P. Friot to producing child pornography, as charged in Count 1 of the indictment.  As part of his plea, Benfall admitted that he used a hidden camera in his home bathroom to video-record a boy’s genitals for Benfall’s own sexual gratification.  

At sentencing, Benfall faces mandatory minimum sentence of not less than 15 years and up to 30 years in a federal prison, a $250,000 fine, up to lifetime supervised release, and up to $50,100 in assessments.  In determining Benfall’s sentence, the Court will take into account the nature and circumstances of the offense, Benfall’s history and characteristics, and the need to protect the public from further crimes of Benfall.  Sentencing will take place in approximately 120 days.  Benfall will also be required to register as a convicted sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI’s Oklahoma City Field Office and the Oklahoma City Police Department.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Hale.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Reference is made to court filings for further information.