Mobile County Registered Sex Offender Indicted on 15 Federal Counts Alleging Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation

Mobile, AL (BuzzReport)—A Mobile County registered sex offender is facing some of the most serious federal charges possible after being indicted by a federal grand jury on allegations involving the sexual abuse, exploitation, and production of child sexual abuse material.

Federal prosecutors announced that Stephen Snyder has been indicted in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama on 15 felony counts. The indictment includes charges of aggravated sexual abuse, sexual exploitation of a minor, transportation and possession of child sexual abuse material, possession of obscene visual depictions involving the sexual abuse of children, and committing felony offenses involving a minor while being legally required to register as a sex offender.

According to the federal indictment, prosecutors allege that Snyder traveled across state lines in March with the intent to engage in a sexual act with a child younger than 12 years old. Authorities further allege that he produced visual depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct and transported and possessed child sexual abuse material.

Federal prosecutors identified Snyder as a convicted sex offender who was already required under federal and state law to register as a sex offender at the time of the alleged offenses.

The indictment also highlights Snyder’s previous criminal history, which prosecutors say could significantly increase the penalties he faces if convicted. Court records cite a 2022 Mobile County conviction for attempted sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12, along with three 2023 Baldwin County convictions for possession of child pornography.

Because of those prior convictions, Snyder could face enhanced sentencing under federal law. According to court documents, the aggravated sexual abuse charges alone carry potential sentences ranging from 30 years to life in prison. Prosecutors also note that mandatory life imprisonment may apply if a qualifying prior conviction is established. Several of the remaining charges, including sexual exploitation of a minor, also carry enhanced penalties that could result in mandatory life sentences.

An indictment is a formal accusation and is not evidence of guilt. Snyder is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The case will proceed in federal court in the Southern District of Alabama, where prosecutors will seek to prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.