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Joseph Gunter Sentenced to 28 Years for Abducting and Exploiting 12-Year-Old Girl

Judge Charles E. Fleming imposed the term following a coordinated federal, state, local probe, ordering lifetime supervision to follow with $15,000 in restitution to victim assistance funds.

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Overview

  • On June 30, U.S. District Judge Charles E. Fleming delivered the 28-year sentence after Gunter pleaded guilty in February to transporting a minor for sexual exploitation.
  • Gunter will serve life under supervised release upon completing his prison term and must pay $5,000 to the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Assistance Act and $10,000 to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act.
  • A multiagency effort by the FBI’s Cleveland, Albuquerque, Dallas, Chicago and Little Rock divisions alongside Gray County and Ashtabula County sheriff’s offices located Gunter’s vehicle in Gray County, Texas, where officers rescued the victim and seized two firearms.
  • Court records show Gunter groomed the girl over several months via Twitter, reestablished contact after she deleted her account and abducted her at gunpoint in Ashtabula County.
  • Investigators discovered a human-sized cage in Gunter’s home, which authorities say reflects his intent to confine the victim for an extended period.