Former Kimball Twp. equestrian center owners sentenced in federal court for child sexual abuse
Two men who made multiple recordings of themselves sexually assaulting children were sentenced to 50 years in prison Wednesday in federal court.
Austin Sabb-Visga, 30, and Todd Sabb-Visga, 48, who previously owned an equestrian center in Kimball Township, had previously been sentenced in St. Clair County Circuit Court, also to 50 years minimum in prison. The sentences will be served concurrently.
In federal court the couple pleaded guilty to three charges: two counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of conspiracy to sexually exploit children.
“These sentences should send a strong message to these defendants and others like them who exploit our children behind closed doors and online,” U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison said in a press release after the sentencings. “For those who refuse to heed this message, we will search high and low for you.”
More: Former equestrian center owners get 50 years minimum for child sex abuse
The married couple were arrested in June 2023 after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a cybertip from an individual who said the couple had shared a video with them via social media of themselves sexually assaulting a child.
Michigan State Police and the U.S. Secret Service obtained a search warrant and found more than 600 videos of child pornography on the couple’s property, as well as about 300 photographs. At least 35 of the videos found appeared to have been produced by Austin and Todd Sabb-Visga.
Police identified four victims from the content, according to court records.
Federal prosecutors had asked the court to give the couple a sentence of 60 years in prison, citing the extreme trauma committed against the victims.
“The Sabb-Visgas’ offenses mandate a sentence that reflects the prolific abuse and horrific, enduring nature of their crimes,” a sentencing memorandum filed before sentencing states. “They are among the most culpable of sex offenders; a fact that outweighs any positive personal characteristics. The Sabb-Visgas participated in the vile child pornography market as both producers and consumers.”
A memorandum from defense attorney Mark Satawa, who represented Austin Sabb-Visga, asked the court to consider a 40-year sentence. He said Austin Sabb-Visga had grown up in an abusive home, and that he had suffered from various mental illnesses and substance abuse.
Letters from Austin Sabb-Visga’s family to the court state Austin Sabb-Visga’s behavior appeared to change in 2022, when he reportedly first began producing child pornography. Family members wrote that they later learned he had also begun taking methamphetamine during this time, and that they believe his substance abuse influenced his actions.
“Mr. Sabb-Visga is a true first-time offender, with no prior criminal history even for arrests,” Satawa wrote in his memorandum.
Austin Sabb-Visga wrote an apology for the court, which he states was motivated by reading the victim impact statements of the victims.
“I felt ashamed for what I had done,” Austin Sabb-Visga wrote in his apology. “I don’t have any excuses. I did what I did. I take full responsibility for myself and my actions. I wouldn’t pawn this off on anybody. I’m sorry it happened. And I hurt people.”
No memorandum was included for Todd Sabb-Visga’s defense.
Contact Johnathan Hogan at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Smith’s Creek couple get 50 years for child sex abuse in federal court
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