Indiana Man Gets 60 Years for Child Sexual Exploitation
A man from Roanoke, Indiana, will spend the next 60 years in federal prison for sexually exploiting a child. The case was cracked by ICE Homeland Security Investigations — the same federal agency known for immigration enforcement — working alongside local and state police. The sentence sends a clear message: federal immigration investigators also pursue some of the most serious crimes against children.
Roanoke Man Sentenced to 60 Years in Federal Prison
Cecil Spangler, 37, of Roanoke, Indiana, was sentenced on May 28, 2026, to 60 years in federal prison. He will also serve a lifetime term of supervised release after his prison sentence ends. A federal judge will set the amount of restitution he must pay at a later date.
According to court documents, between June 2021 and August 2023, Spangler used a child to engage in sexually explicit conduct and produced a visual recording of that conduct. The case was investigated by ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Fort Wayne — a federal law enforcement agency that investigates serious crimes including child exploitation — along with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Indiana State Police, the Huntington County Sheriff's Office, and the Roanoke Police Department.
Immigration Deadlines 2026 — Free
Download PDF with all key dates
"Cecil Spangler's horrific conduct has caused unimaginable physical and emotional trauma to children," said HSI Chicago Special Agent in Charge Matthew Scarpino. U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred added that the combined efforts of multiple agencies ensured the defendant was "arrested, prosecuted, convicted, sentenced and locked up in a place where he can no longer harm children." Assistant U.S. Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery prosecuted the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide program created by the Department of Justice in 2006. The program brings together federal, state, and local agencies to find, arrest, and prosecute people who exploit children — and to identify and rescue victims.
What to Do
- Report suspicious activity: If you know of a child being exploited or abused, call the national tip line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or submit a tip online through the HSI website.
- Learn about Project Safe Childhood: Visit projectsafechildhood.gov for resources on how to protect children in your community.
- If you or your child is a victim: Lawyers and victim advocates recommend contacting local law enforcement immediately. Victims may have legal rights to restitution and support services.
- Stay informed: Follow @HSIChicago on X (formerly Twitter) for updates on HSI Fort Wayne cases and public safety news.
Fishkin Law Firm, New York
Victims of serious crimes in the U.S. — regardless of immigration status — may qualify for a U visa (Form I-918), which provides temporary legal status and work authorization to those who assist law enforcement. There is a strict annual cap on U visas, so filing early matters. If you or someone you know was a victim in a case like this, consult an immigration attorney as soon as possible to understand your options.