Smith's Creek couple sentenced to 50 years in federal court for child abuse

In a memorandum by defense attorney Mark Satawa, who represented Austin Sabb-Visga, he asked the court to consider a 40-year prison sentence. He said Austin Sabb-Visga grew up in a violent home and suffered from various mental illnesses and substance abuse.

Letters to the court from Austin Sabb-Visga's family say Austin Sabb-Visga's behavior appeared to change in 2022, when he reportedly first began producing child pornography. Family members wrote that they later learned he also began using methamphetamine during this time, and that they believe his substance abuse influenced his actions.

“Mr. Sabb-Visga is a true first-time offender and has no prior convictions or arrests,” Satawa wrote in his memorandum.

Austin Sabb-Visga wrote an apology for the court, saying he was motivated to do so by reading the victim impact statements.