South Tulsa Today

Amanda Lynn Howerton, a 41-year-old resident of McAlester, Oklahoma, has been sentenced to 210 months in prison for sexual exploitation of a child. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police.

Howerton pleaded guilty on February 5, 2024. Investigators reported that she produced an image depicting the sexual abuse of a child on January 22, 2023, and subsequently sold it online.

"The defendant exploited the innocence of a child by taking sexually suggestive photographs for personal financial gain. This is not only an abhorrent violation of the law but morally reprehensible and will not be tolerated by the FBI," stated Doug Goodwater, FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge. "This sentencing delivers a clear message that the FBI will work tirelessly with our partners to ensure those who harm children will face consequences."

United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson remarked, "The defendant’s acts—producing and selling depictions of child sexual abuse for personal gain—were despicable and heartless. Although the sentence handed down will not erase the trauma of such betrayal, it is most certainly deserved."

The sentencing was overseen by U.S. Chief District Judge Ronald A. White at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma. Howerton remains in custody pending transportation to a designated Bureau of Prisons facility to serve her non-paroleable sentence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Morgan Muzljakovich represented the prosecution in this case.

This case falls under Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse through collaboration among federal, state, and local resources.

Authorities urge anyone with information about child sexual exploitation or related crimes to contact law enforcement immediately via several available channels including NCMEC's website or hotline numbers provided.