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govinfo:USCOURTS-insd-1_11-cr-00033-1
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF INDIANA
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Case No. 1:11-cr-00033-JMS-KPF-1
v.
ORDER ON MOTION FOR
SENTENCE REDUCTION UNDER
18 U.S.C. § 3582(c)(1)(A)
DAVID RYAN BOSTIC (COMPASSIONATE RELEASE)
Upon motion of ☒ the defendant ☐ the Director of the Bureau of Prisons for a reduction
in sentence under 18 U.S.C. § 3582(c)(1)(A), and after considering the applicable factors provided
in 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a) and the applicable policy statements issued by the Sentencing Commission,
IT IS ORDERED that the motion is:
☒ DENIED.
☐ DENIED WITHOUT PREJUDICE.
☐ OTHER:
☒ FACTORS CONSIDERED: See attached opinion. PageID #:
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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF INDIANA
INDIANAPOLIS DIVISION
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, )
)
Plaintiff, )
)
v. ) No. 1:11-cr-00033-JMS-MJD
)
DAVID RYAN BOSTIC, ) -01
)
Defendant. )
ORDER
Defendant David Ryan Bostic (01) has filed a motion seeking compassionate release under
§ 603 of the First Step Act of 2018, which is codified at 18 U.S.C. § 3582(c)(1)(A) . [Filing No.
100.] For the reasons explained below, his motion is DENIED.
I.
BACKGROUND
On June 6, 2011, Mr. Bostic pled guilty to 36 counts of Production of Child Pornography,
in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2251(a), and one count of Possession of Child Pornography, in violation
of 18 U.S.C. § 2252(a)(4)(B). [Filing No. 29.] The same day, Mr. Bostic pled guilty in a separate
case to one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Child Pornography and Receive Child Pornography,
in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252(a)(2), one count of Conspiracy to Commit Sexual Exploitation of
Children, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2251(d)(1)(A) , 21 counts of Distribution of Child
Pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252(a)(2) , and 5 counts of Advertising Child
Pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2251(d)(1)(A) . [Filing No. 119 United States v. David
Ryan Bostic, 1:11-cr-00027-2-JMS-KPF.] PageID #:
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The offense conduct is summarized as follows:
On November 17, 2010, a search warrant was executed at the residence of David
Ryan Bostic. During the execution of the search warrant at his residence, the
defendant consented to an interview regarding his possession and distribution of
child pornography, as well as his extensive trafficking in this material with other
persons through the Internet. The defendant admitted to searching for, possessing,
downloading, and distributing child pornography through multiple means and
methods. The defendant also admitted to producing child pornography on multiple
occasions involving [ 5 children] all under the approximate age of 5 years. All
victims reside in Indiana. The defendant stated he utilized available file sharing
software, e-mail to distribute child pornography and other methods of electronic
communication capable of transferring images throughout the Internet, including
the child pornography he produced himself. During the interview, the defendant
identified several folders on his computer that contained the child pornography he
produced, as well as jewelry that can be seen in some of those images.
Over the course of several weeks, the defendant's computers, cellular telephones,
and a large amount of digital storage devices were forensically examined. The
forensic examination uncovered a large cache of child pornography, as well as
approximately eleven i mages of Girl 1 engaged in sexually explicit conduct that
were produced by the defendant on or around November 2, 2008. Approximately
63 images were identified of Girl 2 engaged in sexually explicit conduct that were
produced by the defendant on [var ious dates]. Approximately four images were
identified of Girl 3 engaged in sexually explicit conduct that were produced by the
defendant on December 1, 2008. Approximately 138 images and one video were
identified of Girl 4 engaged in sexually explicit conduct which were produced by
the defendant on [various dates]. Approxim ately nine images were identified of
Boy 1 engaged in sexually explicit conduct which were produced by the defendant
on April 8 and July 6, 2010.
* * *
The defendant met the mother of Girl 1 when she was having difficulty loading Girl
1's stroller onto a bus. The defendant assisted Girl 1's mother with loading the
stroller. After a conversation on the bus, they began a friendship that led to a dating
relationship. Girl 1 was born in 2006. According to her mother, the defendant had
very little to no sole access to Girl 1. The only time he may have been alone with
Girl 1 is when her mother would have used the restroom.
* * *
The defendant knew the father of Girl 2 since the time they were both in middle
school. Her father was the sole caretaker of Girl 2 since her mother, during the
time that the majority of the molestation and production of child pornography
occurred, was overseas on active duty with the United States Army. The defendant PageID #:
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had access to Girl 2 at her grandmother's home, where her father was living. On
rare occasions, Girl 2 would be left in the defendant's care when her father would
make a trip to the store or market.
* * *
The defendant's sister…first met Girl 3's mother approximately five years ago, after
being introduced by a mutual friend. Girl 3 was born in 2005. [The defendant's
sister] would assist Girl 3's mother by babysitting Girl 3. As Girl 3's mother began
the process of divorce, she relied more heavily on [the defendant's sister]. Girl 3
would spend weeks at a time at the [defendant's sister's] home under the care of [the
defendant's sister], as well as [the defendant's mother]. The defendant admitted to
molesting and taking sexually explicit photographs of Girl 3 while she was in the
care of his sister and mother.
* * *
The defendant was introduced to the father of Girl 4 and Boy 1 through a friend.
Girl 4 was born in 2006 and Boy 1 was born in 2005. The defendant spent large
amounts of time at the home of this family, sometimes staying for as much as a
week at a time. He was frequently left in supervisory control of the two children.
[Filing No. 30 at 11-18.]
Mr. Bostic faced a guideline term of life imprisonment. [Filing No. 30 at 57.] The Court
sentenced him to 255 years of imprisonment, followed by supervised release for life. [Filing No.
48.] The Bureau of Prisons ("BOP") currently reports Mr. Bostic's anticipated release date as May
6, 2279. https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/ (last visited June 8, 2026).
Mr. Bostic has filed a Motion for Compassionate Release, [Filing No. 100], the
Government opposes the motion, [Filing No. 105], Mr. Bostic did not file a reply, and the motion
is now ripe for the Court's consideration.
II.
DISCUSSION
The general rule is that sentences imposed in federal criminal cases are final and may not
be modified. 18 U.S.C. § 3582(c) . Yet under one exception to this rule, a provision known as
compassionate release, a court may reduce a sentence. 18 U.S.C. § 3582(c)(1)(A)(i). PageID #:
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The United States Sentencing Commission has been authorized by Congress to develop
policies to be used by the courts in considering compassionate release motions. The Sentencing
Commission has set forth the following considerations : First, whether "[e]xtraordinary and
compelling reasons warrant the reduction" and whether the reduction is otherwise "consistent with
this policy statement"; and second, whether the defendant is "a danger to the safety of any other
person or to the community, as provided in 18 U.S.C. § 3142(g)." U.S.S.G. § 1B1.13(a)(1)(A) and
(a)(2). If a court finds that extraordinary and compelling reasons exists and that the defendant is
not a danger to the safety of any other person or to the community, it goes on to consider the
sentencing factors in 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a) , "to the extent that they are applicable." U.S.S.G. §
1B1.13(a).
The Seventh Circuit has held that district courts have broad discretion in determining what
constitutes "extraordinary and compelling reasons" under the statute. United States v. Gunn, 980
F.3d 1178, 1180–81 (7th Cir. 2020) . The district court must "consider[] the applicant's
individualized arguments and evidence," United States v. Rucker , 27 F.4th 560, 563 (7th Cir.
2022), but ultimately "[t]he movant bears the burden of establishing 'extraordinary and compelling
reasons' that warrant a sentence reduction ," United States v. Newton, 996 F.3d 485, 488 (7th Cir.
2021). On this point, the United States Sentencing Commission recently amended the Guidelines
Manual to identify several new circumstances as "extraordinary and compelling" reasons
potentially warranting compassionate release. See U.S.S.G. § 1B1.13 (Nov. 2023).
Mr. Bostic argues in his motion that there are extraordinary and compelling reasons for his
release, including that there is a combination of circumstances warranting release and that he
received an unusually long sentence. The Court will address each argument in turn. PageID #:
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A. Combination of Circumstances Under § 1B1.13(b)(5)
Mr. Bostic checks a box on the form Motion for Compassionate Release which states:
"There is another circumstance or combination of circumstances that, when considered by
themselves or together with any of the reasons described above, are similar in gravity to the reasons
described above. See [U.S.S.G.] § 1B1.13(b)(5)." [Filing No. 100 at 5.] He then states:
No one deserves the length of time I was given. Due to my charges and the increase
of gang activity my saf[e]ty is decreasing. Staff have je[o]pardized my saf[e]ty
numerous times, placing me with high risk inmates (was raped by one). Staff hired
hit out on me due to my charge s because I filed on him for having me fired from
my job (C.O. Murry). I am discriminated against based off charges and [length of]
time I am serving were it be getting a job or into a class. The system is unjust and
discriminates. I deserve a second chance. Please let me see my family again.
[Filing No. 100 at 6.]
The Government responds that § 1B1.13(b)(5) "does not afford relief for purported changes
in the law or sentencing disparities," and that such arguments are specifically covered by §
1B1.13(b)(6). [Filing No. 105 at 5.] It asserts that Mr. Bostic has not presented circumstances
similar in gravity to t hose set forth in § 1B1.13(b)(1) through (4), as required for the application
of § 1B1.13(b)(5), and that Mr. Bostic cannot use § 1B1.13(b)(5) to challenge the reasonableness
of his sentence. [Filing No. 105 at 6.] The Government argues further that Mr. Bostic's conditions
of confinement, alleged sexual assault by another inmate, or the BOP's alleged retaliation against
him are not extraordinary and compelling circumstances under § 1B1.13(b)(5). [Filing No. 105 at
7.]
The Sentencing Commission has provided that extraordinary and compelling reasons for
release exist under the following circumstances:
(5) Other Reasons. —The defendant presents any other circumstance or
combination of circumstances that, when considered by themselves or together with PageID #:
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any of the reasons described in paragraphs (1) through (4), are similar in gravity to
those described in paragraphs (1) through (4).
U.S.S.G. § 1B1.13(b)(5).
Mr. Bostic points to the following circumstances: that his sentence is lengthy, that there is
gang activity within the facility where he is being housed, that his safety has been jeopardized and
he was raped by another inmate, that BOP staff members have retaliated against him, and that he
has been discriminated against based on his charge s. First, any argument regarding the length of
Mr. Bostic's sentence can only be brought under § 1B1.13(b)(6) , and the Court discusses that
provision below. See U.S.S.G. § 1B1.13(c) (any changes to the law relating to sentencing "shall
not be considered for the purposes of determining whether an extraordinary and compelling reason
exists" "[e]xcept as provided in subsection (b)(6)").
Second, as for the other circumstances that Mr. Bostic raises, the Court notes that
allegations about his safety and potential discrimination relate to his conditions of confinement
and are properly brought in a civil rights lawsuit. See United States v. Miller, 2022 WL 2187555,
at *1 (7th Cir. June 16, 2022) ("[T]o the extent that [defendant] challenges the conditions…at [the
prison] more generally, a compassionate -release motion is not the right vehicle.") (cleaned up) .
Additionally, the Court does not find those circumstances to be similar in gravity to those outlined
in § 1B1.13(b)(1)-(4).
1
1 While § 1B1.13(b)(4)(A) provides that an extraordinary and compelling reason exists where
"[t]he defendant, while in custody serving the term of imprisonment sought to be reduced, was a
victim of…sexual abuse involving a 'sexual act,'" the abuse must be committed by, or at the
direction of, a correctional officer, BOP employee, or BOP contractor and the misconduct "must
be established by a conviction in a criminal case, a finding or admission of liability in a civil case,
or a finding in an administrative proceeding, unless such proceedings are unduly delayed or the
defendant is in imminent danger." The Court finds that, although disturbing, Mr. Bostic's
allegation that he was raped by an inmate is not similar in gravity to the circumstances outlined in
§ 1B1.13(b)(4). PageID #:
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Mr. Bostic has not established that an extraordinary and compelling reason for release
exists under § 1B1.13(b)(5), whether considered alone or in combination with any other reason.
B. Unusually Long Sentence Under § 1B1.13(b)(6)
In his Motion for Compassionate Release, Mr. Bostic checked a box stating: "I received an
unusually long sentence, I have served at least 10 years of the term of imprisonment, and a change
in the law (other than an amendment to the Guidelines Manual that has not been made retroactive)
would produce a gross disparity between the sentence being served and the sentence likely to be
imposed on the date I filed this motion, after full consideration of my individualized circumstances.
See § 1B1.13(b)(6)." [Filing No. 100 at 5-6.] He then states "[n]o one deserves the length of time
I was given." [Filing No. 100 at 6.]
In its response, the Government argues that a non-retroactive change to the law cannot
constitute an extraordinary and compelling reason under § 1B1.13(b)(6), and that Mr. Bostic "has
not pointed to any specific change in the law that would result in a different sentence than the one
he received." [Filing No. 105 at 8-9.]
U.S.S.G. § 1B1.13(b)(6) provides:
(6) Unusually Long Sentence. —If a defendant received an unusually long
sentence and has served at least 10 years of the term of imprisonment, a change in
the law (other than an amendment to the Guidelines Manual that has not been made
retroactive) may be considered in determining whe ther the defendant presents an
extraordinary and compelling reason, but only where such change would produce
a gross disparity between the sentence being served and the sentence likely to be
imposed at the time the motion is fil ed, and after full consideration of the
defendant's individualized circumstances. PageID #:
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Putting aside the issue of whether a non -retroactive change to a law affecting sentencing
can constitute an extraordinary and compelling reason for release, 2 Mr. Bostic 's argument is
doomed because he has not pointed to any change in the law at all. Further, a motion for
compassionate release is not the proper vehicle for challenging a sentence. Rather, Mr. Bostic can
only challenge his sentence through a petition filed pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2255. See United
States v. Martin, 21 F.4th 944, 946 (7th Cir. 2021). He has already filed a § 2255 petition, [Filing
No. 89], which the Court denied, [Filing No. 92]. He must receive permission from the Seventh
Circuit Court of Appeals to file a successive § 2255 petition, 28 U.S.C. § 2255(h), and he has not
done so.
Mr. Bostic's argument related to the length of his sentence under § 1B1.13(b)(6) is not an
extraordinary and compelling reason for compassionate release, whether considered alone or in
combination with any other reason.
Although Mr. Bostic has not established extraordinary and compelling reasons for release,
the Court briefly considers whether he is a danger to the safety of any other person or to the
community and whether consideration of the factors set forth in § 3553(a) warrants release.
C. Danger to the Safety of Any Other Person or to the Community
Mr. Bostic does not address whether he is a danger to the safety of any other person or to
the community in his Motion for Compassionate Release. [See Filing No. 100.]
2 The Court recognizes the United States Supreme Court's recent holding in United States v.
Rutherford, 608 U.S. ----, 2026 WL 1485535, at *10 (May 28, 2026) , that "Congress's
nonretroactive change to [18 U.S.C.] § 924(c) – considered by itself or in combination with other
factors – cannot make a prisoner eligible for compassionate release," and notes that the Supreme
Court's reasoning would apply to other non-retroactive changes in the law outside of the § 924(c)
context. PageID #:
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In its response, the Government argues that Mr. Bostic has served only 15 years of his total
315-year sentence for both of his cases, outlines the "vile and egregious nature of his conduct,"
and notes that he "preyed upon very young children multiple times over an extended period of
time" and "attempted to obtain access to additional children by placing, and replying to,
advertisements seeking nannies or childcare workers."3 [Filing No. 105 at 10.]
The conduct that led to the charges in this case is horrific. Mr. Bostic gained the trust of
parents of young children, some who were infants, and then produced and distributed child
pornography involving those children. Releasing him from his life sentence would put the most
vulnerable members of society – young children – at risk and Mr. Bostic does not even attempt to
persuade the Court otherwise. The Court cannot discount the real danger to the community that
Mr. Bostic would pose if he were to be released.
The Court finds that Mr. Bostic is a serious danger to the safety of any other person or to
the community, making compassionate release inappropriate. 18 U.S.C. § 3142(g); U.S.S.G. §
1B1.13(a)(2).
D. Section 3553(a) Factors
Mr. Bostic does not directly address the § 3553(a) factors in his Motion for Compassionate
Release, but he does submit a Proposed Release Plan in which he states that he would live with a
relative and work at a manual labor job. [Filing No. 100-1 at 1-5.]
The Government argues that the § 3553(a) factors weigh heavily against compassionate
release. [Filing No. 105 at 10-11.]
3 The Government asserts these arguments in connection with the § 3553(a) factors, but they apply
with equal force to the analysis regarding whether Mr. Bostic is a danger to any other person or to
the community. PageID
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The Court has already found that compassionate release is not warranted because Mr.
Bostic has not presented extraordinary and compelling reasons for his release and because he is a
danger to the safety of any other person or to the community. Although it need not consider the
factors set forth in § 3553(a), it also f inds for the reasons already discussed that releasing Mr.
Bostic early would not reflect the seriousness of the offense, promote respect for the law, provide
just punishment for the offense, afford adequate deterrence to criminal conduct, or protect the
public from further crimes. Consideration of the § 3553(a) factors provides an independent basis
for denying Mr. Bostic's Motion for Compassionate Release.
In sum, the Court finds that Mr. Bostic has not presented extraordinary and compelling
reasons to release him, he remains a danger to the safety of any other person or the community,
and the § 3553(a) factors weigh against compassionate release. Accordingly, his Motion for
Compassionate Release, [Filing No. 100], is DENIED.
III.
CONCLUSION
For the reasons stated above, Mr. Bostic's Motion for Compassionate Release, [ 100], is
DENIED.
Distribution via ECF only to all counsel of record
Distribution via United States Mail to:
David Ryan Bostic
#09828-028
FCI Petersburg Medium
Federal Correctional Institution
P.O. Box 1000
Petersburg, VA 23804
Date: 6/10/2026 PageID
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