'Serial Offender' From Tuscaloosa Sentenced To 35 Years For Child Exploitation

TUSCALOOSA, AL — U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona announced this week that a Tuscaloosa man has been sentenced to 35 years in federal prison for crimes related to the sexual exploitation of children.

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U.S. District Judge R. David Proctor sentenced Jalan Christopher Lewis, 31, of Tuscaloosa to 35 years in prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release.

Lewis was also ordered to pay a $5,000 special assessment under the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Act.

Lewis pleaded guilty in October to multiple federal charges, including coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, transferring obscene materials to minors, production of child pornography, and receipt and distribution of child pornography.

According to the plea agreement, the case began in July 2024 when an undercover law enforcement officer used a social media application while posing as a 15-year-old girl in Tuscaloosa.

Lewis contacted the undercover officer and, after learning her age, proposed engaging in sexual activity

Escalona said that upon arrival at the proposed meeting location in August 2024, Lewis was arrested and was found to have a condom in his sock.

Law enforcement then discovered in December 2024 that Lewis had engaged in sex acts with a 14-year-old victim after he was released on bond following his arrest that August.

Investigators found that Lewis also met this minor victim on a social media application, with records revealing that Lewis had produced child pornography depicting the 14 year old and sent the produced material to the child.

Lewis also reportedly received child pornography from the 14 year old and was arrested for these additional offenses following a search warrant executed at his home in January 2025.

Escalona's office said those who suspect or become aware of the possible sexual exploitation of a child can contact the FBI Birmingham Office (205) 326-6166.

Reports can also be filed with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) or online.

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