Ex-CNN Producer Gets 19-Year Jail Term for Child Sex Crimes.

Former CNN Producer Sentenced to 19 Years in Prison on Child Sex Charges

In a shocking case that has sent shockwaves through the media industry, former CNN producer John Griffin has been sentenced to more than 19 years in prison after pleading guilty to a criminal charge for luring a 9-year-old girl to a Vermont ski cabin for “unlawful sexual activity.”

The sentence, handed down Tuesday at a U.S. District Court hearing in Vermont, also includes 15 years of supervised release for Griffin, according to The Associated Press.

Griffin, who was fired by CNN shortly after being indicted, pleaded guilty in December to “using a facility of interstate commerce to attempt to persuade, induce, entice or coerce a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity,” according to VTDigger.

While two other charges against him were dropped as part of the plea deal, Griffin will also have to pay $1.1 million in restitution, as ordered by U.S. District Court Judge William K. Sessions III.

A Devastating Impact

The gravity of Griffin’s actions was made clear during the court proceedings, as the victim, now 12 years old, appeared via video along with her grandmother.

“The child that you raped was my granddaughter. You forever ruined a 9-year-old girl,” the grandmother emotionally stated.

The young girl herself expressed the lasting impact of the abuse, saying, “I’ll never trust anyone again. You make me sad and angry.”

Judge Sessions commended the girl for her bravery in speaking up, calling her a “very courageous and smart and accomplished person.”

A Pattern of Predatory Behavior

The evidence presented in the federal indictment against Griffin was deeply disturbing. According to court filings, a video was discovered showing a “completely naked 9-year-old girl” with Griffin.

During an interview with FBI agents, Griffin initially denied any wrongdoing, despite the clear evidence. Prosecutors argued that this incident was part of a larger pattern in which Griffin would try to have parents of underage girls bring them to him for supposed “training” about sex, as reported by the New York Post.

Public Outrage and Calls for Justice

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Drescher, who prosecuted Griffin, expressed his belief that the former CNN producer deserved a longer sentence, stating, “Short of ending a person’s life, it’s hard to imagine a worse offense.”

Many members of the public share this sentiment, with a civil suit against Griffin seeking $15 million in damages for child trafficking, as reported by Fox News.

Have Your Say

Given the severity of Griffin’s crimes, there is a strong public outcry for a stronger sentence. What are your thoughts? Should John Griffin have received a stronger punishment? Cast your vote below.

The post Former CNN Producer Sentenced to 19 Years in Prison on Child Sex Charges appeared first on The Western Journal.