Justin Dwayne Johnson Sr. convicted of molesting 18 children

A former Florida foster parent convicted of taking in and sexually abusing the children in his care was sentenced to 170 years in prison on Thursday.

The Justice Department said Justin Dwayne Johnson Sr., 48, of Sanford, Fla., was sent to a federal prison on four counts of fabricating child sex abuse material, one count of fabricating and attempting to fabricate child sex abuse material been convicted, and a count of possession of child sexual abuse material.

The Child Protection Agency launched an investigation into Johnson in January 2022 after he allegedly told an acquaintance that he secretly took his foster children “naked”.

He also reportedly said he has videos of him “touching the kids,” according to the DOJ.

Johnson has looked after over 20 children over the past three years, Fox 35 Orlando reported.

When detectives searched Johnson’s phone, they said there were multiple images and videos of child sexual abuse.

Eighteen children were identified as victims of sexual exploitation by Johnson. According to reports from Law & Crime, the victims ranged in age from infants to 16 years old.

“Instead of providing a haven for foster children, this predator cheated the children with a home for horrific abuse,” said David Walker, the FBI’s Tampa special agent in charge, according to Fox 35. “The FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force is dedicated to locate and rescue the innocent victims of sexual abuse and ensure their perpetrators are brought to justice.”

Johnson has also reportedly photographed women’s skirts in numerous locations over the years.

Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith released the following statement on Facebook after the conviction was announced:

“Johnson’s crimes are particularly disturbing as he was in a position to be expected to provide protection and care to children already at risk and he exploited that role and continued to bully these young children. I hope his judgment brings some comfort to those he has abused.”

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Sanford Police Department and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office.