N.Y. Times Admits Reporter Paid Source in Online Teen Porn Story

NEW YORK — The New York Times has admitted that former staff writer Kurt Eichenwald paid his source, Justin Berry, in order to gain his trust for a 2005 expose on teen porn websites.

In a sidebar to a follow-up column by the paper’s editor, Byron Calame, the New York Times disclosed that Eichenwald had paid Berry $2,000.

“The check should have been disclosed to editors and readers, like the other actions on the youth's behalf,” the paper said.

The story made Berry, who began selling sexual images of himself online at age 13, a poster boy for the pervasiveness of child pornography online. In the Eichenwald story, Berry revealed that his operation was fueled by a number of mainstream Internet sites.

“There are a number of companies that are unknowingly used as hosting companies for child pornography,” ASACP Director Joan Irvine told XBIZ at the time the story broke. “That includes billing companies and sites like Yahoo and eGold.com.”

After the article, Berry, now an adult, began working with the FBI to bring to justice the thousands of adults who encouraged him and other minors to perform sex acts online.

Eichenwald, who left the paper in October, told the Associated Press that he had sent the check in an effort to learn the true name and address of Berry, who used an alias at the time.

“We were gambling $2,000 on the possibility of saving a kid's life,” he said.

The Times, like many newspapers, prohibit reporters from paying sources.

Eichenwald said Berry’s grandmother eventually repaid the money, adding that he should have disclosed the initial payment in his story.

“I know I did unusual things, and if I should have disclosed what I did as a private citizen in more detail, so be it. But put me through the same situation, I can't say I'd do anything differently,” Eichenwald said.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

TeamSkeet, MYLF to Launch New Website FamilyStrokes.com

Sister studios TeamSkeet and MYLF are launching a new website, FamilyStrokes.com.

AV Bulletin: Age Verification Hits the Mainstream, Ofcom Sets a Date

Industry stakeholders and free speech advocates have anxiously been awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, which could significantly impact state age verification laws around the country. In the meantime, state legislatures continue to weigh and pass AV bills, AV tech providers continue to tout their services, and legal challenges continue to play out in the courts — with some cases on hold pending the SCOTUS ruling in Paxton.

Segpay Names Kristi Greer VP of Sales

Segpay has promoted long-time employee Kristi Greer to the position of vice president of sales.

BranditScan Names Subgirl Newest Brand Ambassador

BranditScan has named content creator Subgirl its newest brand ambassador.

Arcom Reports Age Verification Enforcement Actions Against 5 Adult Sites

French media regulator Arcom released a statement Tuesday detailing recent actions to enforce age verification rules as set forth under France’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law.

Pineapple Support, Clips4Sale to Host Performers' Partners Support Group

Pineapple Support and Clips4Sale are hosting a free online support group for partners and family members of adult industry professionals.

FSC Mourns the Loss of Board Director Emeritus Mark Kernes

Free Speech Coalition has released a statement regarding the passing of Board Director Emeritus Mark Kernes.

Alexa Creed Launches New Paysite

Creator Alexa Creed has launched a new membership site through MyMember.site.

Choice Talent Management Launches Fan Platform 'ChoiceFilmz'

Choice Talent Management CEO Chris Crisco has launched a new fan platform called ChoiceFilmz.

Dredd to Launch Official Site

Dredd has announced his new website OfficialDreddXXX.com, launching April 20.

Show More