A Botetourt County man was sentenced Monday to 24 years in prison for sexually abusing and photographing a 6-year-old girl during a party at his Buchanan home.
Christopher Buono, 45, received the term in Â鶹´«Ã½¹ÙÍø’s federal court from U.S. District Judge Elizabeth Dillon.
Buono was hosting a family party at his home in January 2024 when he took the daughter of one of his guests to a game room, where he sexually abused the girl before taking photographs of her while she was partially clothed, according to court records.
He then sent a photo to at least one person through a messaging application used by others who shared his sexual interest in minors.
In a statement to investigators, Buono admitted to sexually abusing at least nine other victims, whom authorities were not able to identify.
“At least some of this conversation was merely the product of a depraved imagination,†prosecutors wrote in court papers. “But not all of Mr. Buono’s reports of his escapades were pure fantasy, given the evidence of his abuse†of the 6-year-old.
A search of his phone revealed what prosecutors called a litany of other sexual abuse of children. In January, Buono pleaded guilty to child sexual exploitation and possession of child pornography.
“Individuals who take advantage of children, be it online or in person, must be held accountable for their actions,†U.S. Attorney Todd Gilbert said in a statement about the case, adding that prosecution by his office will be “to the fullest extent possible.â€
