Frisco ‘furry’ sentenced to 20 years in prison for transporting a child to Georgia for sexual exploitation

A Frisco man has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to transporting a minor to a furry convention for sexual exploitation, federal prosecutors announced Monday.

Warning: Graphic content FRISCO, Texas (KTVT) -- A Frisco man has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to transporting a minor to a furry convention for sexual exploitation, federal prosecutors announced Monday. Joseph Ray Robertson, 37, was sentenced July 13, 2026, by U.S. District Judge Richard Schell, who also ordered lifetime supervised release following his prison term, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas.

Court documents show Robertson took a minor from Frisco, Texas to Atlanta, Georgia, in May 2024 to attend a furry convention, a gathering centerd around a subculture involving anthropomorphic animal characters and costumes. Prosecutors said Robertson used the event to sexually abuse the child. “Robertson commissioned an elaborate, custom-made costume to further facilitate his furry persona,” court documents state.

“While at the convention, Robertson sexually abused the child ... Additionally, Robertson purchased sexual stimulants and devices at the convention, and commissioned artwork depicting his furry persona engaged in sex acts with the minor victim.” “This defendant’s actions were depraved and absolutely justify every day of the imposed 20-year sentence,” U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs said in a statement.

“Most children’s experiences with people costumed as animals comes in the context of fun encounters in theme parks. This defendant turned a furry costume into a nightmare of sexual abuse,” Combs said. “It shocks the conscience that a child was allowed into a convention where adults were dressed up as furry animals and sex devices were being sold.

Not one person in that convention contacted the authorities to protect the child. Every child deserves security, dignity, and a community that stands fiercely in their defense.” The case was investigated by the FBI and the Frisco Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa Miller.

It is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative focused on investigating and prosecuting cases involving the sexual exploitation and abuse of children. By S.E. Jenkins If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis: - Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety. -

The Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres' website has a comprehensive list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling. - The Ending Violence Association of Canada‘s website has links to helplines, support services and locations across Canada that offer sexual assault kits.

- Indian Residential School Survivors Society crisis lines: +1 866 925 4419 or +1 800 721 0066 (24/7) - Toronto Rape Crisis Centre crisis line: +1 416 597 8808 (24/7) - Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: +1 833 900 1010 (24/7) - Trans Lifeline: +1 877 330 6366 - Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 988 (24/7) - Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre for current and former Canadian Armed Forces members: +1 844 750 1648 - Read about your rights as a victim on the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime website.