Mansfield Woman Pleads Guilty to Producing Child Pornography

Marissa Witkop faces up to 120 years in prison for exploiting a 9-year-old victim

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A 31-year-old Mansfield, Texas woman has pleaded guilty to four federal counts of child sexual exploitation for producing and distributing sexually explicit videos of a 9-year-old child. Marissa Witkop now faces a potential sentence of 15 to 30 years per count, with a maximum possible sentence of 120 years in federal prison.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing problem of child sexual exploitation and the serious legal consequences for those who engage in the production and distribution of child pornography. It also underscores the importance of law enforcement efforts, like Project Safe Childhood, to investigate and prosecute these heinous crimes against minors.

The details

According to prosecutors, the investigation revealed that Witkop produced four sexually explicit videos of a 9-year-old child and distributed some of them through a social media app. She was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2025 and has now pleaded guilty to the charges.

  • Witkop was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2025.
  • Witkop pleaded guilty to the charges this week.
  • Witkop's sentencing is set for June 9, 2026 before Senior U.S. District Judge Terry R. Means in Fort Worth.

The players

Marissa Witkop

A 31-year-old woman from Mansfield, Texas who pleaded guilty to four federal counts of child sexual exploitation for producing and distributing sexually explicit videos of a 9-year-old child.

Ryan Raybould

The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas who announced Witkop's guilty plea.

Terry R. Means

The Senior U.S. District Judge who will sentence Witkop on June 9, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“This case highlights the ongoing problem of child sexual exploitation and the serious legal consequences for those who engage in the production and distribution of child pornography.”

— Ryan Raybould, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Witkop's sentence on June 9, 2026.

The takeaway

This case serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to protect children from sexual exploitation and the severe penalties that can be imposed on those who engage in these heinous crimes. It underscores the critical role of law enforcement and the justice system in holding offenders accountable and sending a strong message that the exploitation of minors will not be tolerated.