Paul Kim, a pediatric dentist in Atlanta, has pleaded guilty to possessing thousands of images and videos of minors, including some as young as 12 years old, engaging in sexually explicit activity.
“Kim possessed materials depicting the sexual exploitation of minors at the same time that parents were entrusting their children to his pediatric care,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Possessing child pornography exploits and abuses children, essentially creating lasting effects for the victims each time the images are distributed online.”
“Every time child exploitation imagery is shared, it re-victimizes innocent and vulnerable children. Our office is focused on using all the resources needed for the very important work of protecting children in Georgia and beyond,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “This plea demonstrates that no person is above the law. Regardless of employment, wealth, or social status, the FBI will continue to seek out all individuals who seek to abuse children and victimize them through the downloading and possession of child pornography.”
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, an FBI investigation into Paul Kim resulted from a broader probe into a commercial sexual exploitation ring which advertised and sold child pornography on several online platforms. FBI special agents identified Kim as one of the suspected purchasers.
In December 2023, agents executed a search warrant for Kim's residence in Sandy Springs, Georgia, seizing approximately 30 electronic devices. The agents located about 1,948 images and 798 videos of child pornography on these devices. Several videos depicted prepubescent females engaged in sexual acts with adult males or objects.
Paul Bogeun Kim, 31, pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography on August 23, 2024. His sentencing is scheduled for November 21, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., before U.S. District Judge Thomas W. Thrash Jr.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dwayne A. Brown Jr.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative launched in February 2006 by the Attorney General to protect children from online exploitation and abuse—led by United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov or contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016.
The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.