Southwest Georgia Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material
ALBANY, Ga.—A Southwest Georgia man who worked at a university and volunteered with youth organizations has pleaded guilty in federal court to distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Andrew Brent Darbyshire, 45, of Albany, pleaded guilty on September 10 to one count of distribution of child pornography. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a minimum of five years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. He will also be required to register as a sex offender. His sentencing is scheduled for January 8, 2026.
According to court documents, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) began investigating an online account, which led them to Darbyshire in November 2024. Investigators learned that Darbyshire worked in maintenance at Albany State University (ASU) and volunteered with local organizations, including a high school and the Boy Scouts.
On November 25, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence and seized two cell phones. A forensic analysis found hundreds of images and videos of CSAM, with the victims appearing to be between the ages of three and ten years old. Darbyshire was found to have received and shared these materials on a website that was also under investigation.
The case was investigated by HSI Atlanta’s Child Exploitation and Cyber Investigations Group with assistance from HSI Tacoma, Washington, and the Washington State Patrol.
