A Seattle registered sex offender, Christopher Randall Hamilton, was sentenced on Mar. 9 to three years in prison and 15 years of supervised release for possessing images of child sexual abuse, according to First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. The sentencing took place in U.S. District Court in Seattle.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to monitor and prosecute individuals involved in child exploitation offenses. Hamilton came to the attention of authorities after disturbing communications with another individual who has since been federally indicted for child sexual abuse.
Court records show that Hamilton was arrested in March 2025 after an analysis of his phone revealed approximately 180 videos and 1,500 images depicting child sexual abuse. He had been communicating with a man who was arrested during a sting operation when he attempted to meet someone he believed would allow him to sexually assault a young child. The investigation into this individual led authorities to Hamilton. The two men discussed plans involving finding a mother with young children at locations such as Southcenter Mall for the purpose of molesting children.
At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Kymberly K. Evanson said Hamilton’s conduct was “extremely troubling. The images involved very young children and were violent. The discussions [with the other defendant] are very concerning.” Prosecutors requested, and the judge approved, a 15-year term of supervised release following imprisonment so that federal probation officers can monitor Hamilton’s communications and electronic devices.
Hamilton has a prior conviction in Michigan for possession of images of child sexual abuse. The investigation was conducted by the Washington State Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Seattle Police Department.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Laura Harmon prosecuted the case. Harmon is also a Senior Deputy Prosecutor for the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and is specially designated to handle federal court prosecutions related to child exploitation crimes.
