Former Navarre Gymnastics Coach Pleads Guilty in Federal Child Exploitation Case
A former Navarre gymnastics coach and social media content creator has pleaded guilty in federal court to multiple child exploitation and money laundering charges after prosecutors say she participated in a years-long conspiracy to produce and sell child sexual abuse material.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Theresa Mitchell, 44, formerly of Navarre, entered guilty pleas Monday to one count of conspiracy to produce and distribute child sexual abuse material, two counts of production of child sexual abuse material, one count of receipt of child sexual abuse material, one count of possession of child sexual abuse material and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Federal prosecutors said Mitchell conspired with Christopher Buckeridge between 2023 and 2025 to produce and distribute images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children.
Court documents allege Mitchell sold the material to customers through social media platforms, messaging applications and subscription-based websites. Prosecutors also said Buckeridge sent Mitchell hundreds of images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of minors, including content involving prepubescent children.
Authorities allege Mitchell received hundreds of thousands of dollars through the sale of the illegal material.
A federal magistrate judge issued arrest warrants for Mitchell and Buckeridge on March 17. Mitchell was arrested by federal agents in central Pennsylvania on March 19 and remains in federal custody.
Mitchell faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and up to 30 years on the production and conspiracy charges. She also faces up to 20 years in prison on the receipt, possession and money laundering conspiracy charges.
If sentenced as provided by law, Mitchell will also be required to pay restitution to victims and register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 14 before a U.S. district judge, who will determine the final sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case was announced by Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva, U.S. Attorney John “Jack” P. Heekin for the Northern District of Florida, FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley, and Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingengo.
The investigation was conducted jointly by Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, and IRS Criminal Investigation. Federal prosecutors said the case is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative focused on investigating and prosecuting child exploitation crimes.
