Ex-Stafford Sheriff's Sergeant Faces Federal Child Exploitation Charge

STAFFORD, VA — A former Stafford County Sheriff's Office sergeant arrested Thursday on a federal child exploitation charge was scheduled to appear for a detention hearing Monday morning in U.S. District Court, according to newly unsealed federal court records.

Justin Thomas Lee Forman, 37, of Fredericksburg, was arrested Thursday after FBI agents executed federal search warrants at his home. He remains in federal custody pending the detention hearing, which was scheduled before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ivan D. Davis in Alexandria.

Federal prosecutors have charged Forman with one count of receipt of a visual depiction involving the use of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct, a felony under 18 U.S.C. §§ 2252(a)(2) and (b)(1). The charge was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

FBI Investigation Began After Cyber Tip

According to an affidavit filed by ann FBI special agent, the investigation began in June after the FBI received a tip that an online account associated with Forman was allegedly being used to obtain child sexual abuse material.

The affidavit states Forman was employed as a patrol sergeant with the Stafford County Sheriff's Office during the period under investigation. He lived in Fredericksburg and worked in Stafford County.

On Thursday, FBI agents executed federal search warrants at Forman's Fredericksburg residence, on his person and for multiple electronic devices. Agents seized approximately 16 electronic devices, including an iPhone recovered from Forman at the time of the search, according to the affidavit.

Affidavit Details Alleged Online Activity

According to the affidavit, a forensic review of Forman's iPhone uncovered Telegram conversations in which his account allegedly communicated with users offering child sexual abuse material for sale.

Investigators allege the messages included discussions about purchasing illegal images and videos, instructions for making cryptocurrency and PayPal payments, screenshots of completed transactions and links that were allegedly sent after payment was received. The affidavit alleges Forman purchased access to collections of child sexual abuse material in 2023 and 2024.

Also See ...

• 4 Stafford Teens Charged After Alleged Facebook Marketplace Robbery, Shooting
• WATCH: Fredericksburg Officers Rescue Drowning Swimmer During River Patrol
• Fredericksburg Man Charged With Felony DUI After Stafford Hit-And-Run

The affidavit describes numerous files investigators identified as child sexual abuse material, including videos involving prepubescent children. Investigators allege Forman knowingly received one such video on or about July 6, 2023, forming the basis of the federal charge.

Based on the investigation, the FBI alleges there is probable cause to believe Forman knowingly received a visual depiction involving the use of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct in violation of federal law.

A criminal complaint is a formal allegation, and Forman is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.