Editor’s Note: The following article contains sensitive content related to allegations of child exploitation. Reader discretion is advised.
A 34-year-old man from Reliance, Wyoming, faces up to 548 years in prison if convicted on charges involving the possession and transfer of explicit material depicting child sexual abuse, Cowboy State Daily reports.
Justin Ernest Golay pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to 31 of the 54 charges against him. He had previously entered a not guilty plea on 23 other counts earlier in January. His trial is scheduled for May 19.
The case began in October after the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The tip, based on flagged online uploads, led investigators to Golay’s cellphone number, according to an affidavit filed in the case.
DCI executed a search warrant at Golay’s home on December 17. Authorities allege they uncovered numerous explicit files, including disturbing material involving child exploitation.
DCI Agent Joel Greene described the contents in the affidavit, reporting that files depicted highly disturbing and unlawful material. Additional evidence allegedly included chat logs in which Golay reportedly shared graphic images and videos with others online.
Golay faces 50 counts of child pornography possession, each punishable by up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. He is also charged with four counts of transferring child pornography, which carry penalties ranging from five to 12 years per count.
Sweetwater County Attorney Danny Erramouspe filed the charges in December, emphasizing the gravity of the case.
