Austin Keith Hibbert, a 25-year-old resident of Tallahassee, Florida, has pleaded guilty in federal court to several charges related to the attempted exploitation of a minor. The charges include attempting to entice or persuade a minor to engage in sexual activity, attempting to travel for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct, and transferring obscene material to a person under 16 years old. The announcement was made by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin stated: “I am incredibly grateful for the tireless efforts of our international and domestic law enforcement partners to investigate and intervene in cases like this, particularly because predators like this defendant are relentless in committing these disgusting crimes. This case represented one of parents’ worst nightmares – the targeting, grooming, and attempted exploitation of their child – but thankfully that nightmare did not become a reality for this family. My office remains committed to aggressively prosecuting offenders like this defendant to the fullest extent of the law.”
According to court documents, between May 2023 and August 2024, Hibbert communicated almost daily with a 13-year-old child from Estonia through various social media platforms after meeting online via an internet game. The conversations quickly became sexual in nature. Hibbert told the child he intended to travel from Tallahassee to Estonia for sexual purposes and sent more than twelve explicit videos.
In August 2024, law enforcement learned that Hibbert had applied for a U.S. passport and booked an international flight from Tallahassee to Estonia. On August 12, authorities intercepted him at Tallahassee International Airport as he tried to board his flight. A search revealed items such as his passport, a bracelet, and condoms—indicating his intent—and further examination of his electronic devices confirmed communications with the child and plans including reserved lodging near where she lived.
Hibbert faces at least ten years in prison with a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Upon release, he would be subject to supervision ranging from five years up to life.
The investigation involved cooperation among the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Tallahassee Police Department, and Estonian Police and Border Guard Agency. Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen is prosecuting the case.
Sentencing is set for October 27, 2025 at 11:00 am before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide effort launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006—to combat child sexual exploitation using coordinated resources across agencies (www.projectsafechildhood.gov).
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one among ninety-four offices serving as principal litigators under direction from the Attorney General; public court documents can be accessed through its website (http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html).
