Digital Evidence Leads to Conviction of Scott Air Force Base Airman

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.

“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.”

Adult Art Classes Starting at $45

Shop Local

Von Dell Gallery

Get This Deal →

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.

More like this:

Attorney General Charges Litchfield Man Who Allegedly Disseminated Child Sexual Abuse Material

Feb 27, 2026

St. Charles County Bartender Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison for Child Pornography Offense

Today

Fairview Heights Man Sentenced To 15 Years In Prison For Disseminating Child Sexual Abuse Material

Mar 10, 2026

Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Recording His Sexual Abuse of 5-Year-Old

Apr 16, 2026

Ohio Man Admits Sex Acts with Teen

Apr 3, 2026