The former sailor pleaded guilty to receiving material of sexual abuse of children

PORTSMOUTH, Virginia. The ex-seaman, who was based in Portsmouth, recently pleaded guilty to receiving child sexual abuse material last year.

Prosecutors say 27-year-old Gabriel Benjamin Hester downloaded seven files of child sexual abuse material between January 2023 and March 2023. At that time he was a military man.

In August 2023, prosecutors said NCIS investigators searched and seized Hester’s phone aboard the USS John Warner Barge, which is based at the Norfolk Naval Base. They found hundreds of photos and videos of child sexual abuse on his phone.

During a search of Hester’s phone, investigators learned he received, purchased, traded and distributed child sexual abuse material through the app, prosecutors added.

His sentencing is scheduled for April 16, 2025. Prosecutors say he faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison, but could face up to 20 years.