Victor Renato Blythe, 61, Child Psychotherapist Sentenced for Distributing Child Pornography
Monday, June 15, 2026
WASHINGTON – Victor Renato Blythe, 61, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced to 10 years in prison in connection with his possession of 300 videos and 23,000 still images of child sexual abuse material, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Blythe was formerly employed as a psychotherapist and specialized in working with children and adolescents. Blythe previously was employed in the Psychiatry Department at Children’s National Medical Center.
“Victor Blythe spent years hiding behind his credentials as a psychotherapist to gain the trust of vulnerable children, all while secretly collecting and trading the most exploitative images imaginable,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “He didn't just collect thousands of images of children being sexually abused; he encouraged others to exploit children. No sentence can undo the harm he caused, but this one ensures he is held accountable. We will continue to pursue anyone who preys on children with every tool we have.”
Blythe was found guilty on May 22, 2026, before Judge Dabney L. Friedrich during a stipulated trial to distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography. In addition to the 10-year prison sentence, Judge Friedrich ordered Blythe to serve a lifetime of supervised release, to register as a sex offender, and to pay $71,000 in restitution. Federal prosecutors had requested a 188-month prison sentence.
According to court documents, Blythe began to collect child sexual abuse material in 2000 and attempted to sexually exploit children. For approximately six years, Blythe traded child sexual abuse material with multiple people, including a person who was later arrested for child sexual abuse.
In Blythe’s communications with that other person, Blythe detailed his sexual interest in children and advised the other individual on how to groom children for sexual abuse. For example, the other individual told Blythe that he was videochatting with a 14-year-old child for the purpose of sexual abuse and was afraid he made the child uneasy. Blythe responded, “Keep chatting with him. He will get comfortable with you video chatting once again.”
Blythe also communicated with a minor child via Skype and told him to engage in sexual acts. During the conversation, the child stated that he was 15 years old, and Blythe responded, “So?? That’s HOT!!” When the child stated “its illegal,” Blythe replied, “[n]ot for me…” Blythe then sent the child a picture of his penis.
Blythe repeatedly discussed interactions he had with children in the D.C. area and his efforts to groom them for sexual abuse. On at least one occasion in 2023, Blythe met in person with a minor child and offered to conduct therapy sessions with him. During one therapy session, Blythe asked the child about his sexuality and discussed his own sexuality with the child.
Law enforcement reviewed Blythe’s digital devices and found over 300 videos and 23,000 still images depicting the sexual abuse of children, including infants and toddlers.
This case was investigated by FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, with assistance from the Fairfax County Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Bohlen.
This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood initiative. In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney's Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.