Billy Gene Pinson, a 45-year-old resident of Moses Lake, was sentenced on Mar. 19 to 35 years in prison for producing and possessing child sexual abuse material, according to First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano. Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian handed down the sentence, which also includes a life term of supervised release and restitution for one victim.
Pinson pleaded guilty on October 15, 2025, to three counts of production of child pornography, two counts of possession of child pornography, and one count related to committing a felony sex offense while required to register as a sex offender. The court ordered $3,000 in restitution for one victim and imposed a $10,000 assessment under the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act. Electronic devices used in connection with Pinson’s crimes were also forfeited.
According to court documents presented at sentencing, Pinson is a repeat sex offender with previous convictions dating back to 1994 for rape of a child and later offenses involving communication with minors for immoral purposes. Authorities said that between February 2014 and October 2018 he raped or sexually abused eight more children—some as young as four—and exploited at least two other identifiable victims before his probation from earlier offenses had expired.
The case came to light in March 2019 when one minor victim disclosed abuse at Pinson’s residence. Subsequent investigations led additional children to come forward describing years of sexual abuse by Pinson. Forensic analysis found images produced by Pinson along with other illicit material obtained online; further evidence included printed photographs found in his garage safe alongside personal items belonging to victims.
“Crimes involving the sexual exploitation and abuse of minor children are the most reprehensible crimes,” said Serrano. “Pinson has proven over and over that he will harm a child he desires if given the chance, and the sentence today puts that to end. Our office is committed to working alongside our state and federal partners to seek justice for these victims, and I’m grateful for a sentence that removes Pinson from our community. My heart goes out to the victims and their families, but I hope the length of Pinson’s sentence helps them healing.”
Grant County Prosecuting Attorney Brandon Guernsey said: “This defendant’s actions caused devastating harm to multiple victims, and today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of those crimes… We appreciate the U.S. Attorney’s Office for taking on such a significant and challenging prosecution.” Captain Mike Williams from Moses Lake Police Department added: “While we are happy to close the book on the prosecution phase… there are eight victims whose lives were irrevocably changed by this criminal.” Homeland Security Investigations Seattle Acting Special Agent in Charge April Miller said: “This substantial prison sentence removed Pinson from our community where he can never again groom, exploit or terrorize another child… HSI is unwavering in our mission…”
The case was part of Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child exploitation through coordinated efforts among federal prosecutors like U.S Attorneys’ Offices along with local law enforcement agencies.
