A well-known social media influencer, Joshua David Stapleton, has recently been sentenced to five years in prison for child pornography charges. Stapleton, along with his wife, gained popularity on social media for sharing their Gulf Coast lifestyle with their followers. The couple managed the “Gulf Coast Stapletons” account, which garnered over 86,000 followers on TikTok and Instagram.
Stapleton’s downfall began when he was found guilty of downloading images of prepubescent children in sexually abusive situations between 2018 and 2020. Initially faced with 15 counts of child pornography possession, Stapleton was later indicted on 40 counts of sexual exploitation of children. Ultimately, he pleaded guilty to 20 counts as part of a non-negotiable plea deal.
Despite the legal troubles, the Stapletons continued to share their daily lives on social media, showcasing workouts, meals, and vacations. Just recently, they posted videos from a trip to Orange Beach, Alabama. Stapleton’s wife, Brittani Morris Stapleton, has been addressing what she deems as misinformation surrounding her husband’s case online. The couple got married in 2023 after the charges were brought against Joshua.
In a TikTok post, Brittani defended their social media presence, stating that their content was a true reflection of their lives and relationship. She refuted claims that they were projecting a fake image online. Stapleton is currently incarcerated at the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office Jail, serving his five-year sentence. Despite the legal troubles, Brittani maintains that they are still happy and have no issues in their relationship.
