Melbourne Man Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for Enticing Overseas Minors to Engage in Sexual Activity

Orlando, Florida - Kasey James Caudill (29, Melbourne) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Anne-Leigh Gaylord Moe to life in federal prison for coercing and enticing minors to engage in sexual activity. Caudill pleaded guilty on August 5, 2025. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, in August 2024, Caudill persuaded, induced, enticed, or coerced a minor to engage in the production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). In addition, between August 10 and 12, 2024, Caudill persuaded, induced, enticed, or coerced another minor to engage in the production of CSAM. The victims were both located in the Philippines. Caudill sent money to the children's caregiver via PayPal in return for the videos and images of CSAM of her children, ages 7 and 12.

"Those who target, exploit, and abuse children should know that we will leave no stone unturned to bring them to justice," said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. "I applaud our law enforcement partners for their diligence and cooperation in investigating this case beyond our borders."

"Protecting children from exploitation is a sacred duty, and it is through unwavering collaboration, determination, and courage that law enforcement agencies across the globe are able to locate and rescue victims of these heinous crimes from monsters and bring them to justice," said HSI Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge Tim Hemker. "This level of accountability demonstrates the power of partnership and the relentless commitment of HSI Orlando, HSI Manilla, HSI Portland (Maine), and the Brevard County Sheriff's Office to safeguard the most vulnerable members of our communities."

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Brevard County Sheriff's Office, and Florida Department of Corrections Probation and Parole. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kaley Austin-Aronson and Patrick Flanigan.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.