Wilmington man sentenced to 50 years in federal prison for child pornography charges
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A Wilmington man already sentenced to decades in state prison for sex offenses involving minors has now received an additional federal prison sentence after pleading guilty to child pornography charges.
Tony Michael Crisco, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III after entering a guilty plea on Jan. 29, 2026.
The investigation began in May 2023 after Crisco’s mother contacted law enforcement in Citrus County, Florida, following a report about an online video involving Crisco sexually abusing a young child. Authorities in Florida then contacted law enforcement in Wilmington, where Crisco lived.
The FBI, Wilmington Police Department, and New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and executed a search warrant at Crisco’s residence and on his digital devices.
Investigators said they found evidence of the sexual exploitation of children, including images and videos involving a toddler. Officials also said Crisco communicated online with a 14-year-old girl, whom he met through friends, and later engaged in a sexual relationship with her.
According to investigators, Crisco also distributed sexually explicit material involving the teenager online. Authorities said the investigation uncovered more than 1,000 images and 348 videos of child sexual abuse material.
“This sick individual will no longer be able to harm those who cannot protect themselves,” U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyles said. “He preyed on vulnerable children by abusing and manipulating them to produce explicit content for his own gratification.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Reid Davis said the case highlights the agency’s efforts to hold child predators accountable.
“Anyone who exploits children will be found, prosecuted, and removed from society for a very long time,” Davis said. “The FBI will relentlessly pursue predators and ensure they face the maximum consequences for harming a child.”
Officials said the case was investigated by the FBI, Wilmington Police Department, and New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office.
