Influencer Charged with Child Exploitation in Kentucky

A well-known influencer and YouTuber known as “Mr. Crafty Pants” has been indicted in Kentucky on nearly 30 counts related to the possession and trafficking of disturbing sexual images of children through Kik, a messaging app often used by teenagers.

Michael David Booth, who has about 500,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel, was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly sharing explicit images of minors on the platform. Reports indicate that Booth was active on multiple social media channels, accruing significant followings.

His YouTube channel, now deleted, featured arts and crafts tutorials. On his Instagram page, Booth described himself in a rather self-deprecating way, saying he’s “troublesome by nature and cunning by choice.”

Interestingly, on the day of his arrest, Booth had shared a video on Instagram where he could be seen excitedly unboxing a product, even shedding tears of joy while holding his small dog on his lap.

Booth resides in the Norton Commons neighborhood in north Louisville, a picturesque, walkable community designed to resemble a small city.

The investigation began in August after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children alerted authorities about a Kik account sharing child pornography. This account was traced back to Booth’s residence, according to police findings.

Kik allows users to remain anonymous by not requiring a phone number or a valid email for registration. However, it is not encrypted and can track user IP addresses, which does assist law enforcement in investigations.

The app’s anonymity has, unfortunately, created a space where some users feel comfortable sharing inappropriate material. According to investigators, Booth was linked to three files showing minors under the age of 12, along with three files depicting minors aged 12 to 18. These files were reportedly distributed over 15 times, as noted in the arrest report.

Locally, there has been a storm of concern following these revelations. An outlet reported that Booth appeared in court recently, and there was even a sign outside his home, likely intended as a commentary, that read, “It smells like a child.”

A concerned neighbor expressed her alarm, saying it’s unsettling to think about what he had access to, adding it makes her feel vulnerable as a mother.

Booth faces charges related to both possession and distribution of materials depicting sexual acts involving minors. His YouTube channel is no longer in operation, but it appears his Facebook account is still active.

A judge in Louisville has set Booth’s bail at $100,000, with conditions that include home confinement and restriction from internet access.