A Ferrelview, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court for using four young victims to produce child pornography as part of a nationwide child pornography ring. US Attorney Tammy Dickinson says Raymond M. Appling, 32, of Ferrelview, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner to 40 years in federal prison without parole.

On March 4, 2014, Appling pleaded guilty to four counts of producing or attempting to produce child pornography. Appling admitted that he took pornographic photos and video of four child victims, which he shared with others.

FBI agents had identified two suspects in Colorado and in San Diego, Calif., that linked Appling to the child pornography ring. Detectives with the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department executed a search warrant at Appling’s residence on Feb. 8, 2012, and seized computers, computer media and a camera. In an interview with the detectives, Appling identified a third member of the child pornography ring located in Pennsylvania. The other members of the child pornography ring are being prosecuted in those jurisdictions.

Appling admitted that he took a child victim, identified as Jane Doe #1, to visit the San Diego suspect, whom he knew had a sexual attraction to minors. Appling also took pornographic photos of Jane Doe #1 when she was eight years old.

Appling also took photos of a second child victim, identified as Jane Doe #2. Appling took photos of Jane Doe #1 and Jane Doe #2 together in the shower. Jane Doe #2 also told investigators that she had met the San Diego suspect at Appling’s home.

Appling took photos of a third child victim, identified as Jane Doe #3, while she was asleep on his couch. A series of photos depicts Appling moving Jane Doe #3’s clothes so that she is exposed, and Appling touching her.

Appling also produced a movie of a 12-year-old victim, identified as Jane Doe #4, while she was undressing and getting ready to take a shower.

Officials uncovered other, fragmented evidence of multiple child porn images, videos, and chats.