A Seattle registered sex offender, Christopher Randall Hamilton, was sentenced on Mar. 9 to three years in prison and 15 years of supervised release for possessing images of child sexual abuse, according to First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to monitor and prosecute individuals involved in the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material. The sentencing aims to protect the community and deter similar offenses.
Hamilton, age 39, came under investigation after disturbing communications with a Port Orchard man who was arrested during a sting operation targeting those seeking to have sex with children. During the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Kymberly K. Evanson said Hamilton’s conduct was “extremely troubling. The images involved very young children and were violent. The discussions [with the other defendant] are very concerning.”
Court records show that Hamilton was arrested in March 2025 after authorities found approximately 180 videos and 1,500 images of child sexual abuse on his phone. Investigators discovered that he had been communicating with another man who believed he would meet an adult willing to allow him to sexually assault a fictitious child; this led law enforcement to Hamilton after reviewing the man’s phone. The two men discussed plans involving finding a mother with young children at locations such as Southcenter Mall for the purpose of molesting children.
Prosecutors requested—and the judge approved—a lengthy supervised release period so that federal probation officers can monitor Hamilton’s communications and electronic devices following his prison term. Hamilton has a prior conviction in Michigan for possession of similar material.
The investigation involved Washington State Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, and Seattle Police Department. Special Assistant United States Attorney Laura Harmon prosecuted the case.
