Marcell Meyer, the South African farmer who was convicted in the US for the distribution of child porn, will become eligible for deportation after completing his 12-year sentence in a federal prison.

The KwaZulu-Natal man – who moved to the US in late 2022 – has been described as committing “despicable” crimes.

SA FARMER COULD BE DEPORTED AFTER CHILD PORN SENTENCE

On Wednesday, 26 August, South African farmer Marcell Meyer received a 12-year sentence for distributing and possessing child sexual-abuse material.

Meyer admitted to using social media to distribute sexual-abuse material, including to an undercover investigator he believed was a 13-year-old girl.

The 45-year-old pled guilty to the charges in May, avoiding the risks of trial and a potentially harsher sentence.

Meyer – who worked on a dairy farm in the Jefferson Country – will serve his sentence in a federal prison. The US sentence also includes five years of supervised release, sex-offender registration and $21 000 (R336 000) in restitution.

According to authorities, after completing his sentence, he will become eligible for deportation.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sarcone said: “Our law enforcement partners’ specialised cyber‑crimes units are dedicated to identifying, tracking, and arresting those who exploit and harm children online.

South African farmer Marcell Meyer has been sentenced in the US for the distribution of child porn.
Images via X

“Thanks to their relentless work and our office’s prosecution, this defendant will serve 12 years in federal prison and will be subject to deportation afterwards. We will continue to pursue anyone who preys on children and ensure they face lengthy prison sentences as a result of their crimes.”

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN HE RETURNS TO SOUTH AFRICA?

Marcell Meyer is likely to be deported, and allowed back into South Africa after serving a foreign prison sentence.

However, his US conviction for possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material could have serious consequences in South Africa: the law allows people convicted of equivalent sexual offences in foreign countries to be placed on the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). 

If registered, Meyer could be barred from working with or caring for children and from holding positions that give him access to vulnerable people. 

His conviction can also render Meyer’s return to the US inadmissible.