January 15th, 2026 Local News
Jefferson Co., Mo. (KFMO) - A Jefferson County man has been sentenced to 35 years in federal prison for sexually abusing two girls and recording the abuse. U.S. District Judge Zachary M. Bluestone sentenced 49-year-old Benjamin F. Sexton Jr. on Tuesday.
Court documents indicate that one victim reported Sexton abused her for several years, beginning at age 7, at times restraining her and providing her with methamphetamine while recording the assaults. A second victim said Sexton abused her when she was 15. Investigators later recovered child sexual abuse material documenting the abuse of both victims.
Authorities were alerted in 2023 after the grandfather of one victim discovered explicit communications between the victim and Sexton and notified law enforcement. Sexton pleaded guilty in August to production of child pornography, coercion and enticement of a minor, and receipt of child pornography.
As part of his plea agreement, he agreed to forfeit seized items including electronic devices, firearms, night vision goggles, and counterfeit $100 bills.