EAST ST. LOUIS — A former airman stationed at Scott Air Force Base pleaded guilty Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, to federal charges of sexually exploiting minors and distributing child sexual abuse material.
Michael E. McCay, 32, admitted to two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of distribution of child pornography in U.S. District Court. The charges stem from investigations revealing thousands of images and videos of child sexual abuse material on his electronic devices.
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“Sex crimes against children are a profound betrayal of everything decent because they exploit the innocent, shatter trust, and inflict lasting harm,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “This former airman has deeply dishonored himself and the military he served.”
Special Agent Elijah Bell of the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations emphasized the impact of such crimes and the collaborative efforts in pursuing justice. “The exploitation of children has a lasting and profound effect on everyone involved, from the victims to the investigators,” Bell said. “Through the collaboration between our agents, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and our international and local law enforcement partners, we were able to swiftly pursue justice.”
Law enforcement executed a search warrant at McCay’s residence on Scott Air Force Base in February 2023. Agents found more than 4,000 known images and videos of child sexual abuse material, over 18,000 unidentified images, and communications with purported minors. McCay admitted to requesting sexually explicit images from minors, sending threatening messages, and distributing the illicit content.
A second search warrant in January 2024 on McCay’s new cell phone uncovered additional images, videos, and communications with minors. Investigators identified at least two minor victims, ages 11 and 12, who were exploited through online platforms including Roblox, Kik, Snapchat and Likee.
McCay faces a minimum of 15 years to 30 years in prison for sexual exploitation of a minor and 5 to 20 years for distribution of child pornography. His sentencing is scheduled for April 7 at the federal courthouse in East St. Louis.
The investigation was led by the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Ali Burns prosecuting the case.
