31-year-old Michigan City man sentenced to over 24 years in prison for crimes against children

SOUTH BEND – United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced 31-year-old Opediah Barnett has been sentenced to 24 years and 4 months in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of production of child pornography.

On top of the over 24-year prison sentence, Barnett is to have that followed by 10 years of supervised release as well as pay $6000 in restitution.

According to documents, in July of 2021 and January of 2022, Barnett convinced two separate minors he met online to send him images of child sexual abuse material.

Officials also state Barnett traveled out of state to attempt to meet one of the minors.