A former Charleston judge has agreed to plead guilty to two federal charges related to child pornography. According to a plea agreement filed on Monday, James Gosnell Jr. would admit to one count of possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor and one count of distribution of child pornography.
Gosnell faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines for the possession charge. The distribution charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years with a maximum of 20 years imprisonment, as well as an additional fine of up to $250,000.
Background: Gosnell was arrested on September 16, 2025, after federal authorities received a cyber tip linking his online activity to child sexual abuse material. He would be required to register as a sex offender and serve five years of supervised release if convicted.
Gosnell's plea agreement comes two months after John Badger Thorpe pleaded guilty to conspiracy to receive and distribute CSAM and distribution of CSAM charges. Thorpe was arrested at the same time as Gosnell and identified as one of the individuals with whom Gosnell communicated online about a shared interest in minors.
The case against Gosnell had been set for trial on August 24, but the plea agreement means that he will avoid a formal trial if approved by the judge.