Agents said the Newnan man used hidden cameras over more than three years to secretly record minors.
ATLANTA, GA — A federal judge on Wed., Nov. 19, sentenced former firefighter Larry Nelson Gasaway, 45, after authorities said they uncovered more than 150 hidden-camera videos of minors. Chief U.S. District Judge Leigh Martin May imposed eight years in federal prison followed by 10 years of supervised release.
Prosecutors said the case began after Customs and Border Protection flagged Gasaway during a secondary inspection in Miami in April, leading to the discovery of sexually explicit videos involving minors. Homeland Security Investigations then executed a search warrant at Gasaway’s Newnan home, where agents said they found hidden cameras and recordings made over more than three and a half years. Gasaway pleaded guilty in August to possessing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The sentence also includes strict supervision conditions once he leaves prison, according to statements in court.
In court, U.S. Attorney Theodore “Teddy” Hertzberg said CBP officers found the videos on Gasaway’s phone after he returned from a family trip, and HSI later recovered hidden cameras in a bedroom and bathroom during a search in Newnan. “Customs and Border Protection officers … searched his phone, found videos of minors … and reported that to HSI,” Hertzberg said. A victim spoke at sentencing, describing the harm and loss of privacy, remarks Judge May called credible and moving before announcing the punishment. Gasaway apologized, telling the court, “I am sorry for what I have done,” while standing beside his attorney.
Court records and statements described how the investigation unfolded across several dates in April. After the Miami inspection on April 13, agents in Atlanta received the seized phone on April 21 and documented videos that appeared to be recordings of live or recorded streams from hidden cameras. Investigators interviewed a minor on April 29, who confirmed being depicted in clips and identified a device concealed above a bed. On April 30, federal authorities arrested Gasaway in Coweta County. Officials said the recordings spanned more than three years and totaled more than 150 videos; the government did not identify all locations or victims by name because they are minors.
Defense attorney Bernard Brody told the court that Gasaway had no prior criminal record, completed a 15-year career as a firefighter, and struggled with alcoholism. Brody said his client disputed any in-person sexual contact, though he admitted possessing explicit recordings and accepted responsibility by entering a plea agreement. The defense noted that Gasaway reported being abused as a child. Prosecutors countered that the conduct was deliberate and sustained, citing the length of time agents said the cameras were in use and the volume of videos. Judge May said the sentence balanced those factors with the need to deter similar conduct and to protect victims.
The case was heard in the Northern District of Georgia. Gasaway waived indictment and pleaded guilty to a single count in August; he was remanded pending sentencing. The eight-year prison term will be followed by 10 years of supervised release with conditions typical in child-exploitation cases, including monitoring and restrictions to be set by probation. There is no parole in the federal system. Prosecutors said additional charges are not pending at this time, and any further investigative steps would focus on victim identification and recovery services. No civil filings were immediately listed in the federal docket on Wednesday.
Neighbors in Newnan described a heavy law enforcement presence the day agents executed the search warrant, recalling unmarked vehicles outside the residence as boxes were carried out. A parent who attended the hearing said the victim’s statement “made the room go silent.” Hertzberg said, “The victim is incredibly brave. She reclaimed her own voice here.” After sentencing, marshals escorted Gasaway from the courtroom as relatives declined comment. Outside, a courthouse clock tolled the hour as lawyers filed past the security station and the hall gradually emptied.
As of Wednesday evening, Gasaway remained in U.S. Marshals custody awaiting designation to a Bureau of Prisons facility. The court’s written judgment is expected to post on the docket in coming days. Officials said victim-notification updates will follow standard federal procedures, and probation will schedule an initial supervision plan before release.
Author note: Last updated November 20, 2025.