Melanie Smith, left, filmed herself raping underage children – then passed the abuse images to friend Holly Clayton, right to distribute among other pedophiles (Pictures: US Attorneys Office – Southern District of Georgia)

A ‘predator’ filmed herself raping children, then got a female friend to share the abuse images among other pedophiles.

The abuser, Melanie Smith, was jailed for 30 years Wednesday, with the woman who shared the clips – Holly Clayton – sentenced to a decade behind bars.

Smith, of Savannah in Georgia, produced multiple sexually explicit photos of underage children, and was also ordered to pay $3million restitution for her crimes.

The 30 year-old pervert then gave them to 34 year-old Clayton, of Port Wentworth in Georgia, to distribute.


It is unclear how many children were abused, their relationship to Smith, or how Smith and Clayton knew one another.



Special Agent Robert Hammer, who oversaw the case, said: ‘These predators have stolen the innocence of these children, forcing them to be re-victimized every time those horrific images are viewed.’

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Prosecutor Bobby Christine added: ‘The prison time meted out to these defendants will protect our community for decades, though it pales in comparison to the lifetime of pain these vulnerable victims likely will endure.’

The two women could ultimately spend far longer behind bars if they are also convicted of pending child molestation charges.

If Smith is ever released from prison, she will have to serve 20 years of supervised release, with Clayton ordered to spend 15 years on supervised release.

Clayton portrayed herself as a devout Christian online and devoted mother online, and posted multiple videos of herself attending Christian rock concerts.

A third unnamed defendant has also been charged in relation to the same case.

Neither their name nor the charges against them have been revealed by police.