/qresearch/ - Q Research

Man Sentenced to 21 Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking of a Minor and Other Crimes

https://www.justice.gov/usao-nh/pr/new-hampshire-man-sentenced-21-years-prison-sex-trafficking-minor-and-other-crimes

Virginia Man Sentenced for Child Exploitation Offenses

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edva/pr/virginia-man-sentenced-child-exploitation-offenses

Wichita Man Sentenced for Distributing Thousands of Child Porn Images

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ks/pr/wichita-man-sentenced-distributing-thousands-child-porn-images

Philadelphia Man Who Raped Child for Eight Years Indicted for Concealing His Crimes to Obtain U.S. Citizenship

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edpa/pr/philadelphia-man-who-raped-child-eight-years-indicted-concealing-his-crimes-obtain-us

Auburn Man Charged in Superseding Indictment with Child Pornography Offenses

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/auburn-man-charged-superseding-indictment-child-pornography-offenses

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of New Hampshire

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, June 25, 2021

New Hampshire Man Sentenced to 21 Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking of a Minor and Other Crimes

WASHINGTON – A New Hampshire man was sentenced to 21 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release for sex trafficking of a minor, operation of a prostitution enterprise, and maintaining a drug-involved premises. The court also ordered $20,800 in restitution to the victims.

After a three-day trial in March of 2019, a federal jury found Steven Tucker, 36, of Manchester, guilty of one count of sex trafficking of a minor, one count of operating an interstate prostitution enterprise and one count of maintaining a property for drug trafficking.

Evidence presented at trial established that, between October 2013 and June 2014, the defendant operated drug and prostitution businesses in the Manchester area. He sold heroin to numerous individuals, including young women and a minor. Witnesses described how the defendant used their addictions to cause them to prostitute for his profit. The defendant would often front heroin to the women and then arrange prostitution “dates” for them. The women were required to give the defendant half of the proceeds and then purchase heroin from him with the remainder.

On other occasions, the defendant withheld heroin from the women, causing them to suffer painful withdrawal symptoms and then instructed them to prostitute to earn money to purchase heroin from him. The defendant’s scheme guaranteed that he had a steady source of drug customers and money. Some of the women were required to help the defendant sell his heroin and received heroin in exchange. The defendant used violence and threats to maintain control of the women. The investigation began in 2014, when the mother of one of the women called the Manchester Police Department after the defendant beat her daughter.

This prosecution is the result of the joint investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Manchester Police Department, the New Hampshire Human Trafficking Collaborative Task Force, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire and the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit (HTPU). The Hillsborough County Attorney’s Office provided victim assistance in the case.

The New Hampshire Human Trafficking Collaborative Task Force is a multidisciplinary effort comprised of law enforcement as well as social, medical, and legal services for victims of human trafficking. The Task Force is funded by a grant from the Department of Justice, Office of Victims of Crime (OVC) and Bureau of Justice Programs (BJA).

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Aframe, former Assistant U.S. Attorney Arnold Huftalen for the District of New Hampshire and Trial Attorney Vasantha Rao for the Civil Rights Division’s HTPU, with assistance from HTPU Trial Attorney Maryam Zhuravitsky.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-nh/pr/new-hampshire-man-sentenced-21-years-prison-sex-trafficking-minor-and-other-crimes

>>13982431

>Virginia Man Sentenced for Child Exploitation Offenses

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Bluemont man was sentenced today to 19 years in prison for the production and distribution of child pornography.

According to court documents, Kevin Hewlett, 36, was convicted by a federal jury on October 8, 2020, of producing and distributing child pornography. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Hewlett was a farrier, a craftsman who trims and shoes horses’ hooves. He was hired to be the farrier to a minor girl’s horses. Hewlett began communicating with the minor regularly through text messages and social media applications. Then in August 2018, Hewlett recorded himself engaging in sexually explicit conduct with the minor in his bedroom. A few months later, in January 2019, Hewlett sent the minor the recording.

Acting U.S. Attorney Raj Parekh of the Eastern District of Virginia; Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; and Assistant Director in Charge Steven M. D’Antuono of the FBI Washington Field Office made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI’s Washington Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task force, which is composed of FBI agents along with local, state, and federal partners.

Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel Smith III and Trial Attorney Gwendelynn Bills of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:20-cr-64.

>>13982431

>Auburn Man Charged in Superseding Indictment with Child Pornography Offenses

BOSTON – An Auburn man was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on child pornography offenses.

Jesse Laino, 25, was charged in a superseding indictment with one count of distribution of child of child pornography. The original indictment charged Laino with one count of possession of child pornography. Laino was arrested and charged by criminal complaint on July 22, 2020.

According to the charging documents, from about January 2019 to July 2020, Laino distributed child pornography. In July 2020, a search of Laino’s residence resulted in the seizure of electronic devices that contained images and videos of child pornography.

The charge of distribution of child pornography provides for a sentence of at least five and up to 40 years in prison, at least five and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Auburn Police Chief Andrew J. Sluckis, Jr.; and Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Mulcahy of Mendell’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

>>13982431

>Philadelphia Man Who Raped Child for Eight Years Indicted for Concealing His Crimes to Obtain U.S. Citizenship

PHILADELPHIA – Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Sumo Dukulah, 47, of Philadelphia, PA, was charged by Indictment on the charge of procurement of citizenship by false statement.

According to the Indictment, approximately fourteen months after he took the oath and was sworn in as a United States citizen, the defendant was arrested in Philadelphia in April 2013 on charges of raping a minor child, beginning when the victim was eight years-old in 2004 and continuing until March 2013 when she was 16 years-old. Dukulah was ultimately convicted of those charges and is currently serving a state sentence of 31-63 years in prison. The Indictment alleges that when the defendant applied to become a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2011, he falsely claimed that he had never committed a crime, when during the same time period, he was actively committing a crime by raping a child. As a result of his fraudulent claims in his application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Dukulah’s citizenship was granted in January 2012.

“Applying to become a citizen of the United States necessitates your willingness to adhere to the laws of our Nation,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Williams. “What this defendant did, and the crime for which he was convicted, is not just illegal but is also morally repugnant and shocking. The defendant then allegedly lied about it in order to obtain U.S. citizenship, and he will have to answer to this charge in federal court.”

If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $500,000 fine, three years’ supervised release, a $200 special assessment, and revocation of his U.S. citizenship.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Josh A. Davison.

Jacksonville Couple Pleads Guilty To Child Exploitation Offenses

https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/jacksonville-couple-pleads-guilty-child-exploitation-offenses

Blasdell Man Arrested After Investigators Recover Thousands Of Images And Videos Of Child Pornography

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/blasdell-man-arrested-after-investigators-recover-thousands-images-and-videos-child

Chattanooga Man Indicted For Sexual Exploitation Of A Child

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edtn/pr/chattanooga-man-indicted-sexual-exploitation-child

Tulsa Couple Found Guilty on Child Abuse Charges

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndok/pr/tulsa-couple-found-guilty-child-abuse-charges

Philadelphia Man Sentenced To 140 Months’ Imprisonment For Attempted Online Enticement Of A Minor

https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdpa/pr/philadelphia-man-sentenced-140-months-imprisonment-attempted-online-enticement-minor

Discord User Is Sentenced To 14 Years For Distributing Child Pornography

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdnc/pr/discord-user-sentenced-14-years-distributing-child-pornography

Pittsburgh-area Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Distributing Pornographic Images of Children

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/pittsburgh-area-man-sentenced-5-years-prison-distributing-pornographic-images-children

Hubert Dupigny Sentenced To 25 Years In Prison For Sex Trafficking Minors

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/hubert-dupigny-sentenced-25-years-prison-sex-trafficking-minors

Federal Jury Finds Milwaukee Man Guilty of Sex Trafficking

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edwi/pr/federal-jury-finds-milwaukee-man-guilty-sex-trafficking

Men Sentenced to Life Plus 240 Months in Federal Prison for Murder of Lincoln Mother

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ne/pr/men-sentenced-life-plus-240-months-federal-prison-murder-lincoln-mother

New Federal Indictment Charges a Second Defendant for the 2015 Murder of a Woman and Her Seven-Year-Old Child During a Drug-Related Robbery

https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/pr/new-federal-indictment-charges-second-defendant-2015-murder-woman-and-her-seven-year-old

>>13982487

>Jacksonville Couple Pleads Guilty To Child Exploitation Offenses

Jacksonville, Florida – Samuel Christopher Templeman (46, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to conspiring to sex traffic a child. His wife, Deborah Lynn Templeman (50, Jacksonville), has pleaded guilty to possession of child sex abuse material. Samuel Templeman faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison, and Deborah Templeman faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreements, in 2018, Samuel Templeman and the child victim began regularly using heroin and crack cocaine together. Also at that time, a pimp began directing the child victim to engage in sex acts in exchange for drugs.

In July 2019, a court terminated the Templemans’ custodial rights over the child victim and ordered them not to have any contact with the child. The child was then placed in foster care, from which the child ran away. In late August 2019, Samuel Templeman received over $25,000 in inheritance, which the Templemans used to entice the child to return to them. By mid-October 2019, the Templemans had spent the entire inheritance, primarily on drugs for Samuel Templeman and the victim.

Thereafter, the only legitimate income for the Templemans and the victim was Deborah Templeman’s bi-weekly salary, which they spent 1-2 days after receipt. During the remaining portions of each month, the Templemans’ only income was derived from their sex trafficking of the child victim for money and the victim’s occasional panhandling. The Templemans spent most of that money on drugs and the rest on living expenses.

On December 11, 2019, a detective from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office went to Deborah Templeman’s place of employment in an attempt to locate the victim. While there, the detective overheard phone conversations in which Samuel Templeman told Deborah Templeman that he was taking the victim to a “date,” a common slang term for an appointment for the child to have sex for money, and that he would then come pick up Deborah Templeman. When Samuel Templeman later arrived at Deborah Templeman’s workplace, authorities arrested him and recovered the child victim.

Pursuant to a search warrant, investigators reviewed Deborah Templeman’s cellphone and found it contained sexually explicit images of the child victim. Deborah Templeman admitted that she knew those images were stored on her phone.

This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Cofer Taylor and Special Assistant United States Attorney Erin Wolfson.

>>13982487

>Discord User Is Sentenced To 14 Years For Distributing Child Pornography

CHARLOTTE, N.C. B Mayuresh Suresh Iyer, 26, of Matthews, N.C. was sentenced today to 14 years in prison for distributing child pornography on Discord, a popular messaging platform, announced William T. Stetzer, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. In addition to the sentenced imposed, U.S. District Judge Frank D. Whitney also ordered Iyer to pay a $35,000 special assessment, serve 25 years of supervised release, pay restitution to the victims of his offense, and to register as a sex offender after he is released from prison.

Robert R. Wells, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department join Acting U.S. Attorney Stetzer in making today’s announcement.

According to court documents and information introduced at the sentencing hearing, in October 2019, law enforcement received information that an individual later identified as Iyer was using his Discord user account to distribute child pornography. Discord is a popular free application that allows users to communicate with each other via voice and video calls and text messaging, and to share media files through private chats or communities referred to as “servers.”

Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Iyer’s residence and seized multiple electronic devices, including two external hard drives. A forensic analysis of those devices revealed that Iyer possessed an extensive collection of child pornography, including over 800 videos and approximately 14,147 images of children engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Some of the child pornography in Iyer’s possession depicted prepubescent minors being abused through sadistic, masochistic and other violent conduct. In September 2020, Iyer pleaded guilty to distributing and attempting to distribute child pornography.

Acting U.S. Attorney Stetzer thanked the FBI and CMPD for their investigation of this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark T. Odulio of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte was in charge of the prosecution.

>>13982487

>Hubert Dupigny Sentenced To 25 Years In Prison For Sex Trafficking Minors

Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that HUBERT DUPIGNY, a/k/a “Fox,” was sentenced to 300 months in prison for sex trafficking of minors and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors. DUPIGNY was previously convicted of those offenses, following an eight-day jury trial, on January 24, 2020, before U.S. District Judge Jesse M. Furman.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “Hubert Dupigny trafficked minor victims who were runaways from the foster care system – victims who were half his age and did not have permanent homes or families to take care of them. Dupigny victimized, and violently abused, some of the most vulnerable members of our society for his own financial gain. His predatory conduct irreparably damaged the lives of his victims. Today, Hubert Dupigny was justly sentenced to 25 years in prison for his callous exploitation of those minor victims.”

According to the allegations contained in the Indictment and evidence presented during the trial in Manhattan federal court:

From at least in or about August 2016 through in or about May 2017, HUBERT DUPIGNY, a/k/a “Fox,” the defendant, engaged in a conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors. The defendant recruited two minor victims (“Victim-1” and “Victim-2”) to engage in commercial sex acts when they were living in foster care facilities or homes in New York City. The defendant took photographs of Victim-1 and Victim-2 in lewd positions, used Backpage.com to post advertisements of them for commercial sex, and then directed Victim-1 and Victim-2 to meet customers to engage in commercial sex out of an abandoned home in Brooklyn, New York. Victim-1 and Victim-2 saw as many as ten to fifteen customers each day. The defendant took all of the proceeds from their commercial sex acts, forcing Victim-1 and Victim-2 to be reliant on him for food and clothing.

* * *

In addition to today’s prison sentence, DUPIGNY, 38, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced to 10 years of supervised release.

Ms. Strauss thanked the FBI and the New York City Police Department for their outstanding work in this matter, particularly the FBI-NYPD New York Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.

Any individuals who believe they have information that may be relevant to this investigation should contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation at (212) 384-1000 or https://tips.fbi.gov/.

This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Mollie Bracewell, Elinor Tarlow, Jacob Gutwillig, and Michael Herman are in charge of the prosecution.

>>13982487

>Chattanooga Man Indicted For Sexual Exploitation Of A Child

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – On June 16, 2021, a federal grand jury in Knoxville returned a one count indictment against Mark Alan Deakins, 61, of Chattanooga, for the sexual exploitation of a child. Deakins appeared in court June 22, 2021, before the Honorable U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan K. Lee and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge in the indictment. He was detained pending trial, which has been set for August 24, 2021 before the Honorable U.S. District Judge Charles E. Atchley, Jr.

The indictment alleges that Deakins sexually exploited a child under the age of 12 from June 2018 through September 2018, and that he has prior convictions for the sexual abuse of children.

If convicted, Deakins faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 35 years up to a maximum term of life in prison.

If you have information regarding the pending prosecution, or you believe you or someone you know may have been victimized by the defendant, the FBI requests that you contact them at 423-265-3601 or report it at tips.fbi.gov. Identified victims may be eligible for certain services and rights under federal and/or state law.

This indictment is the result of an investigation by the Chattanooga Crimes Against Children Task Force, and included the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Chattanooga Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, and Red Bank Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve Neff represents the United States.

>>13982487

>Blasdell Man Arrested After Investigators Recover Thousands Of Images And Videos Of Child Pornography

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Shawn Kostelny, 55, of Blasdell, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with receipt and possession of child pornography, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a fine of $250,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Rudroff, who is handling the case, stated that the between June 19 and June 23, 2020, a Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent, who was engaged in a Peer-to-Peer investigation online, downloaded 1,346 files of suspected child pornography from an IP address traced to the defendant.

On August 14, 2020, HSI Special Agents executed a search warrant at Kostelny’s residence and seized 49 electronic devices, including a laptop and hard drive. Forensic analysis of the 49 seized items recovered 8,018 images and 686 videos of suspected child pornography. Some of the images depicted children as young as three-years-old subjected to sexually explicit situations.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly.

>Tulsa Couple Found Guilty on Child Abuse Charges

A federal jury found a Tulsa couple guilty Wednesday for enabling and committing acts of child abuse against an Indian minor, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

The jury convicted Craig Allan Morrison, 37, of two counts of child abuse in Indian Country and Amanda Lyn Walker, 42, with two counts of enabling child abuse in Indian Country. During the trial the jury received evidence describing two separate instances of child abuse involving a then three-year-old child.

The first incident took place on or about December 20, 2019, when other family members observed and photographed a hand-shaped bruise on the child’s face. The second incident took place on or about February 18, 2020, when the child victim was taken to the Saint Francis Hospital Pediatric Emergency Room with injuries to the child’s head, back, shoulder, abdomen, buttocks, and leg. Laboratory testing showed elevated liver enzymes and elevated amylase. A pediatrician who treated the victim testified these laboratory tests indicated liver and pancreatic injuries and that the child’s injuries were caused by child abuse. These crimes took place within the Muskogee Nation Reservation. Tulsa Police Department later interviewed the couple and charged them with child abuse.

“Because of the team of committed investigators and prosecutors, Craig Morrison and Amanda Walker have been brought to justice,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “It is heartbreaking when children suffer abuse at the hands of individuals who they should be able to trust for their care. My office and our law enforcement partners remain committed to prosecuting perpetrators of child abuse in Indian Country.”

Judge Heil presided over the trial. Walker and Morrison will be sentenced on January 24 2022.

The FBI and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melody Noble Nelson and Chantelle Dial prosecuted the case.

>>13982487

>Philadelphia Man Sentenced To 140 Months’ Imprisonment For Attempted Online Enticement Of A Minor

SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Shane Kelly Torpey, age 37, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on June 23, 2021, to 140 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 10-year term of supervised release, by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for using the internet to attempt to entice a 12-year-old minor female to engage in prohibited sexual activity.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, on January 27, 2020, after communicating online with the minor victim and, later, with a law enforcement officer posing as the victim, Torpey traveled from the Philadelphia area to a park in Kingston, PA in an attempt to coax the minor victim into engaging in prohibited sexual activity with him. Torpey was arrested on scene.

At sentencing, Judge Mannion also ordered Torpey to comply with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Philadelphia Division and the Kingston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jeffery St John prosecuted the case.

>Pittsburgh-area Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Distributing Pornographic Images of Children

PITTSBURGH, PA - A suburban Pittsburgh resident has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months of imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release on his conviction of distribution of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy imposed the sentence on Scott Kaercher, 28, of Pittsburgh, PA (Whitehall).

According to information presented to the court, Kaercher was a member of a group called “Anything Goes” on the LIVEME application, and the members shared an interest in child pornography. The FBI had an undercover employee monitoring the application, and the undercover employee engaged in an online chat with Kaercher, who indicated he had a sexual interest in children. On December 10, 2019, Kaercher uploaded a child pornography video to the members of Anything Goes. A subsequent search warrant resulted in the recovery of Kaercher’s mobile phone, which contained thousands of images of child pornography, including images of prepubescent children and sadistic and masochistic conduct. After imposing sentence, Judge Hardy revoked Kaercher’s bond and ordered that he be taken into custody to begin his sentence.

Assistant United States Attorney Lee J. Karl prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Acting United States Attorney Kaufman commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Kaercher.

>>13982487

>Men Sentenced to Life Plus 240 Months in Federal Prison for Murder of Lincoln Mother

Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Tawhyne M. Patterson, a Vice Lord gang member from Chicago, Illinois, and Damon D. Williams of Omaha, Nebraska, were sentenced today for their respective roles in a home invasion that resulted in the death of Jessica Brandon on July 31, 2018. Chief United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced each to life imprisonment for commission of murder with a firearm during an attempted robbery. For their participation in a firearms conspiracy and a second attempted robbery at the same Lincoln home the day before the murder, they were sentenced to 240 months consecutive to the life terms. There is no parole in the federal system.

At their hearings, Chief Judge Gerrard stated, “The crime doesn’t get any worse than this one. Home invasions are among the most egregious crimes that this Court sees. This was a classic case of felony murder, and the punishment shall fit the crime. We are seeing way too many of these home invasions in Nebraska and anyone else who commits a home invasion resulting in death with a gun can expect the same result.” Judge Gerrard expressed his commitment that his Court would do what it takes to deter others from these crimes.

The evidence at trial established that Patterson, age 28, and Williams, age 29, were part of a crew that targeted a Lincoln marijuana dealer for robbery. They went to the home on July 30, 2018 and returned on July 31, 2018 intent on stealing drug money.

On July 31, 2018, Patterson forced open the door and was joined by two others claiming to be Lincoln Police Officers. The robbers zip tied and restrained three children, including a child there on a sleepover who had no family connection to the marijuana dealer. Jessica Brandon, mother of two of the children in the home at the time, was shot as she found herself between Patterson and a safe where the robbers expected to find cash and drugs. Brandon was brought to a hospital and was later pronounced dead. The children who were tied up and held at gun point were all female children ranging in age from 9 years old to 16 years old at the time of the crime. An elderly woman with a broken back was also zip tied and held at gunpoint. The evidence showed that Patterson gunned down Brandon in the stairwell to her home while Williams and his brother, Dante Williams, who is scheduled for sentencing next week, went through the bedrooms in the home taking the women and children hostage.

Video was recovered from the crime scene. Williams and Patterson were identified through tips from the public. They fled to Texas and were later arrested there in an attempt to evade justice for their roles in this crime.

Acting United States Attorney Jan W. Sharp said, “The United States Attorney’s Office continues to view the prosecution of violent crimes, especially those involving firearms, as a top priority. All gun crimes are disturbing, but home invasions are especially horrifying for the victims. Today’s life plus 240 months sentence sends a clear message to those who commit violent crimes: Use a gun and you are going to be looking at hard time.”

After today’s sentencing FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel said, “Tawhyne Patterson and Damon Williams terrorized a family in an attempted robbery that left them empty handed, and a young mother dead. Today’s sentence prevents them from committing another vicious crime. FBI Omaha will always assist our law enforcement partners to pursue and arrest those who prey on members of our community.”

This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lincoln Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lesley Woods and Dan Packard.

>>13982487

>New Federal Indictment Charges a Second Defendant for the 2015 Murder of a Woman and Her Seven-Year-Old Child During a Drug-Related Robbery

Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury has returned a second superseding indictment that adds a new defendant, Kiara Haynes, age 36, of Baltimore, charging her with two counts of using a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime, causing the death of Jennifer Jeffrey and her seven-year-old child. The second superseding indictment also restates the previous charges against Andre Ricardo Briscoe, a/k/a Poo, age 37, of Baltimore and Cambridge, Maryland, for conspiracy to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute heroin, use of a firearm to commit murder in relation to the drug trafficking crimes, killing a witness to prevent communication with law enforcement, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The second superseding indictment was returned on June 23, 2021.

Haynes was arrested in Texas on June 18, 2021, on a related federal criminal complaint. She had an initial appearance on that charge and was detained pending her transport to Maryland. Briscoe remains in federal custody on his previous indictment and is expected to have an initial appearance on the new charges in U.S. District Court in Baltimore in the near future.

The second superseding indictment was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; Special Agent in Charge Timothy Jones of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division; Acting Special Agent in Charge Rachel Byrd of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department; and Chief Mark K. Lewis of the Cambridge Police Department.

Acting U.S. Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner stated, “The murders of Jennifer Jeffrey and her child were a tragedy. The loss of any life is tragic, and never more so than a child. This indictment should make crystal clear that we will not stop investigating until we bring to justice everyone involved in a murder. If you touch a witness, especially a child, the full weight of federal law enforcement will be harnessed to hold you accountable and bring you to justice.”

According to the second superseding indictment, from March through October 2015, Briscoe conspired with others to distribute heroin. The second superseding indictment alleges that on May 27, 2015, Briscoe possessed with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin. On that same day, in connection with Briscoe’s heroin distribution, the second superseding indictment alleges that Briscoe and Haynes committed an armed robbery and during the course of the robbery Jennifer Jeffrey and Jeffrey’s seven-year-old child were shot and killed. The second superseding indictment also alleges that Briscoe shot the child multiple times, including in the head and mouth, killing the child to prevent him/her from communicating with law enforcement.

If convicted of the murders, Briscoe and Haynes face a maximum sentence of death or life in prison. Briscoe also faces death or a mandatory sentence of life in prison if convicted of the witness tampering murder; a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for the conspiracy to distribute and for possession with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin; and a maximum of 10 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.

Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended the ATF, the FBI, the Baltimore Police Department, and the Cambridge Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Lenzner thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dana J. Brusca, Sandra Wilkinson, and Michael C. Hanlon, who are prosecuting the case.

>>13982487

>Federal Jury Finds Milwaukee Man Guilty of Sex Trafficking

Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin,

announced that on June 22, 2021, Calvin C. Freeman, Jr., was convicted of sex trafficking and

related offenses following a federal jury trial in Milwaukee. The crimes of which Freeman was

convicted include:

 Conspiracy to Engage in Sex Trafficking

 Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, or Coercion (two counts)

 Interstate Transportation for Prostitution (three counts)

 Interstate Transportation of a Minor for Criminal Sexual Activity

 Possession of a Firearm/Ammunition by a Felon (two counts)

 Obstruction of Sex Trafficking Enforcement (two counts)

 Contempt of Court (three counts)

The evidence presented at trial established that Freeman used force, threats of force, fraud, and

coercion to compel female victims to engage in commercial sex acts in cities across the country,

including Milwaukee, Chicago, Las Vegas, New Orleans, and Miami, as well as in parts of

Southern California and Hawaii. One of the victims was a minor at the time Freeman transported

her for this purpose. The victims testified that Freeman kept and controlled all of the money they

made, whipping them with belts, threatening them with guns, and subjecting them to

dehumanizing punishments, such as forcible sodomy and smearing human feces in one victim’s

face when she failed to comply with his demands. The evidence also established that Freeman

repeatedly urged victims and witnesses not to speak to federal agents or to comply with court

orders, including while Freeman was in jail and subject to a no-contact order that had been

entered by a federal judge.

Freeman is scheduled to be sentenced on October 4, 2021, by Chief United States District Court

Judge Pamela Pepper. Freeman faces a maximum life term of imprisonment and a mandatory

minimum of 15 years of imprisonment.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Milwaukee Police Department, and the Federal Deposit

Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General investigated the case with the assistance of

the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the Philadelphia Police Department, and the

Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States

Attorneys Erica J. Lounsberry and Julie F. Stewart prosecuted the case.

Coos Bay Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting a 3-Year-Old Child

https://www.justice.gov/usao-or/pr/coos-bay-man-sentenced-30-years-federal-prison-sexually-exploiting-3-year-old-child

Jury Finds Broken Arrow Man Guilty of Sexually Abusing Two Children

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndok/pr/jury-finds-broken-arrow-man-guilty-sexually-abusing-two-children

Omaha Man Sentenced to 14 Years for Possession of Child Pornography

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ne/pr/omaha-man-sentenced-14-years-possession-child-pornography

Lawrence County Residents Indicted on Child Sexual Exploitation Charges

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/lawrence-county-residents-indicted-child-sexual-exploitation-charges

South Texan heads to prison for possessing nearly 1500 pornographic images of minors

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/south-texan-heads-prison-possessing-nearly-1500-pornographic-images-minors

Grant County woman admits to child pornography charges

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/grant-county-woman-admits-child-pornography-charges

Brownsville man sent to prison for possessing 600 images of Sugar Land minor

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/brownsville-man-sent-prison-possessing-600-images-sugar-land-minor

Former City Honors Teacher Pleads Guilty To Two Child Pornography Charges

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/former-city-honors-teacher-pleads-guilty-two-child-pornography-charges

Batavia Man Found With Thousands Of Images And Videos Of Child Pornography Pleads Guilty

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/batavia-man-found-thousands-images-and-videos-child-pornography-pleads-guilty

Registered Sex Offender Charged with Attempting to Transfer Obscene Material to a Minor

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ri/pr/registered-sex-offender-charged-attempting-transfer-obscene-material-minor

Harrison County man guilty of child pornography charge

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/harrison-county-man-guilty-child-pornography-charge

Ohio County man sentenced for child pornography charge

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/ohio-county-man-sentenced-child-pornography-charge-1

Fulton Missouri Man Arrested on Child Pornography Charges

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdia/pr/fulton-missouri-man-arrested-child-pornography-charges

Fort Madison Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Child Pornography Charges

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdia/pr/fort-madison-man-sentenced-federal-prison-child-pornography-charges

Saratoga County Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child Pornography

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndny/pr/saratoga-county-man-pleads-guilty-possession-child-pornography

Boothbay Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Child Pornography

https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/pr/boothbay-man-pleads-guilty-distributing-child-pornography

Suring Man Indicted for Crimes Against Underage Child

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edwi/pr/suring-man-indicted-crimes-against-underage-child

>>13982602

>Coos Bay Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting a 3-Year-Old Child

EUGENE, Ore.—A Coos Bay, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today for producing sexually explicit images and videos of a 3-year-old child.

Keith James Atherton, 33, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison followed by a life term of supervised release.

According to court documents, on July 13, 2018, an undercover agent from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) viewed child sexual abuse material streamed on a video chat website. Less than 24 hours later, Atherton was identified as the perpetrator, located, and taken into federal custody. Further investigation revealed that Atherton had produced several sexually explicit images and videos involving a 3-year-old child. Investigators seized more than 10 digital devices from Atherton, containing at least 35,000 images and 8,000 videos depicting the sexual abuse of infants, toddlers, and young children.

On July 18, 2018, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a three-count indictment charging Atherton with using or attempting to use a minor to produce a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct and possession and distribution of child pornography. On February 24, 2021, Atherton pleaded guilty to using or attempting to use a minor to produce a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct.

Acting U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon made the announcement.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Coos Bay Police Department, the Coos County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey S. Sweet prosecuted the case with assistance from the Coos County District Attorney’s Office.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to contact HSI at (866) 347-2423 or submit a tip online at www.ice.gov/tips.

Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.

>>13982602

>Jury Finds Broken Arrow Man Guilty of Sexually Abusing Two Children

A federal jury today convicted a Broken Arrow man of sexually abusing two children under the age of 12, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

Jeffrey Arch Jones, 31, was found guilty of two counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child in Indian Country and one count of abusive sexual contact of a child in Indian Country. U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell presided over the trial and set sentencing for Oct. 15, 2021.

“Make no mistake, Jeffrey Jones is a child sexual predator,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Today’s conviction ensures Jones will no longer be able to harm another child while he is in federal prison. I want to thank the two young victims who bravely testified at trial and confronted Jeffery Jones with his actions.”

Jones, a Cherokee citizen, was previously convicted of sexually abusing the two victims in Tulsa County District Court but appealed his conviction, arguing the state did not have jurisdiction to prosecute the case because the crime occurred within the Muscogee Nation Reservation and he was a tribal citizen. The case was then prosecuted in federal court.

From Sept. 29, 2015 to Sept 28, 2016, Jones sexually abused a young child. He also sexually abused a second child from Oct. 9, 2014 to Sept. 30, 2016.

On Feb. 2, 2017, one of the victims disclosed to a teacher that the defendant had been touching her in a sexual manner. School officials contacted the Broken Arrow Police Department. During the ensuing investigation, it was determined the second child was also sexually abused by Jones.

Today, in closing arguments, Assistant U.S. Attorney Reagan Reininger reminded the jury of the testimony of expert witnesses, law enforcement, and the victims. She assured the jury the children had no incentive to lie and that the medical evidence corroborated the type of sexual abuse reported by the victims. She described how their behavior and disclosures were similar to that seen in other child sexual abuse victims. She explained how some victims disclose abuse on their own when they are ready, but others may be asked about abuse before they are fully ready to disclose what happened to them, as in the case of the second victim. She explained how difficult it had been for the two victims to describe the abuse to others repeatedly since 2017, including this week in court. Finally, Reininger reminded the jury that child sexual abuse is perpetrated in secrecy, behind closed doors, in moments when the abuser is alone with a child. She asked the jury to evaluate the evidence, including the children’s accounts, and to find Jeffrey Jones guilty.

The jury deliberated nearly two hours before returning guilty verdicts on all three counts.

“Today’s conviction was a result of the diligent work performed by agents and officers of the FBI and Broken Arrow Police Department as well as Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reagan Reininger and Leah Paisner. I appreciate their dedication to protecting children,” Johnson said.

>>13982602

>Omaha Man Sentenced to 14 Years for Possession of Child Pornography

Acting United States Attorney Jan W. Sharp announced that Drake C. Chrastil, Sr., 51, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for Possession of Child Pornography. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Chrastil to 168 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Judge Buescher ordered Chrastil to pay $3,000 in restitution and also ordered the sentence to run consecutive to a 40- to 50-year state sentence which he is currently serving. Chrastil will be required to register as a sex offender.

In May 8, 2019, while investigating Chrastil for sexual assault, the Omaha Police Department obtained search warrants of Chrastil’s residence. Omaha Police ultimately recovered electronic devices from Chrastil’s residence and Chrastil himself. Omaha Police conducted a forensic review of the recovered digital devices and found 344 images and 16 videos of minors ranging in age from 5 years old to 12 years old engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Omaha Police determined that at least 300 of the images and 16 of the videos that were produced by Chrastil were of a victim in Nebraska.

>Lawrence County Residents Indicted on Child Sexual Exploitation Charges

PITTSBURGH, PA – Two Lawrence County residents have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of attempted production, production, receipt, and distribution of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a child, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The three-count Indictment named David Bates, 61, of Ellwood City, PA 16117, and Tamara Kreitzer, 33, of New Castle, PA 16101, as defendants.

According to the Indictment, in or between July 2020 and October 2020, Bates and Kreitzer attempted to and did use, persuade, induce entice and coerce a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of the minor. After the production of images, Kreitzer distributed the images of the minor to Bates.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 70 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants. The government has requested detention for both defendants.

Assistant United States Attorney Lee J. Karl is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

>>13982602

>South Texan heads to prison for possessing nearly 1500 pornographic images of minors

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 27-year-old Brownsville resident has been ordered to federal prison for possession of child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Alvaro Vega-Rodriguez pleaded guilty Feb. 4, 2020.

Today, U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera Jr. ordered him to serve a 78-month sentence to be immediately followed by 20 years of supervised release during which he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. He has also been ordered to register as a sex offender.

“These investigations serve as a reminder and warning to those who engage in perverse online behavior involving child exploitation,” said Deputy Special Agent in Charge Timothy Tubbs of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “This illegal activity will not be tolerated and those who are participating in it will be found and brought to justice.”

In May 2019, authorities launched an investigation targeting child pornography sharing on the internet. That led them to Vega-Rodriguez. The following month, they conducted a search at the residence and seized his computer. Forensic analysis on the computer later revealed approximately 1,488 images and 121 videos of child pornography.

Vega-Rodriguez was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

HSI’s Rio Grande Valley Child Exploitation Task Force conducted the investigation.

>>13982602

>Former City Honors Teacher Pleads Guilty To Two Child Pornography Charges

BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Peter Hingston, 62, of Amherst, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to two counts of possessing child pornography. Each count carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000.

“The defendant’s behavior in this case is the stuff of which parents’ nightmares are made,” noted U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “Our schools are supposed to be safe havens where our children’s minds are nurtured. The defendant’s effort to exploit his student’s for his own gratification warrants federal prosecution and the significant sentencing exposure occasioned by today’s guilty pleas.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, who is handling the case, stated that on June 17, 2019, Buffalo Police Officers were called to City Honors School, where the defendant worked as a middle school technology teacher, based on allegations that Hingston was taking inappropriate photographs of female students with a GoPro camera. Officers secured the GoPro digital camera from Hingston. A subsequent search of the camera resulted in the recovery of child pornography videos produced by the defendant, involving minor victims who were under his custody, care, and supervisory control when the sexually explicit images were produced. Investigators also searched an external hard drive possessed by Hingston, which contained additional videos of child pornography produced by Hingston, involving different minor victims, who were also was under his custody, care, and supervisory control.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Buffalo Office, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia, the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood, and the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James P. Stauffiger.

Sentencing is scheduled for October 21, 2021, before Judge Arcara.

>>13982602

>Batavia Man Found With Thousands Of Images And Videos Of Child Pornography Pleads Guilty

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Matthew Barber, 53, of Batavia, NY, pleaded guilty before Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny to possession of child pornography following prior federal and state convictions relating to sexual abuse involving a minor. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a fine of $250,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that on May 20, 2020, officers with the U.S. Probation Department and New York State Parole conducted a search at the defendant’s residence. Officers seized a cellular phone, which was found to contain images and videos of child pornography. A flash drive containing child pornography was also seized. Barber possessed over 1,000 images and 200 videos of child pornography on the two devices, some of which depicted prepubescent minors, violence, and the sexual abuse or exploitation of an infant or toddler.

In April 2007, the defendant was convicted on a federal charge of possessing child pornography, and a state charge of sexual abuse in the 1st degree.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia; the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Sliwinski; the Batavia Police Department, under the direction of Chief Shawn Heubusch; and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, under the direction of Acting Commissioner Anthony J. Annucci.

Sentencing is scheduled for October 27, 2021, before Judge Skretny.

>Harrison County man guilty of child pornography charge

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Terrell Anderson, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, was found guilty today of a child pornography charge, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

After a two-day trial, the federal jury found Anderson, 25, guilty of one count of “Possession of Child Pornography.” Anderson had child pornography on his phone in January 2020 in Harrison County.

Anderson faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. Perri and Danae DeMasi-Lemon prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bridgeport Police Department investigated.

>>13982602

>Registered Sex Offender Charged with Attempting to Transfer Obscene Material to a Minor

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A 31-year-old registered sex offender living in Smithfield, RI, who allegedly claimed during Instagram communications with two minor boys in Florida to be 17-years-old, has been ordered detained in federal custody in Rhode Island on charges he attempted to send obscene material, including live video of him performing a sex act on himself, to one of the boys.

According to court documents, on May 18, 2021, a woman reported to the North Port, FL, Police Department that an unidentified person had sent inappropriate sexual communications to her 13-year-old son via an Instagram account with the identity of “Jackasslures.” The Instagram account held itself out as a fishing-related online site. The mother reported that her son also had received a package from Forestdale, RI, containing a fishing lure sent by a person associated with the Instagram account. North Port Police determined that the Instagram account belonged to Nicholas Sannicandro, 31, of Smithfield, RI, and that the 13-year-old learned of the online fishing site from a 14-year-old middle-school classmate who lives in nearby Englewood, FL. Law enforcement located the 14-year-old and determined that he allegedly had been communicating with “Jackasslures” since late January 2021.

According to court documents, a North Port law enforcement officer assumed the online identity of the 14-year-old and began communicating with “Jackasslures” in an undercover capacity. The officer stated to “Jackasslures” that he had just turned 14-years-old, and that he would be travelling to Warwick “as a treat.” In response, on June 10, 2021, “Jackasslures” allegedly sent an image of himself, images of the inside of his boat docked in Warwick, an image of himself wrapped in a blanket on the boat with the caption of “I’M COZY IN MY BED ON. MY BOAT[.]” and an invitation to go out on the boat with him. During further online communications on June 14, Sannicandro allegedly sent a sexually explicit image to the undercover. On June 15, among other messages exchanged between the two, Sannicandro allegedly sent the person he believed to be the 14-year-old a live video of him performing a sex act on himself.

On Tuesday, FBI agents, with the assistance of the North Port, Florida, Police Department, Rhode Island State Police, members of the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Warwick Police Department, arrested Sannicandro on a federal criminal complaint charging him with attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor and commission of a specified sexual exploitation offense by a person required to register as sex offender. Law enforcement agents and officers also executed court-authorized searches of Sannicandro’s Smithfield residence and boat docked in Warwick.

A federal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The arrest of Nicholas Sannicandro is announced by Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John P. McAdams, with assistance from Assistant United States Attorney Denise M. Barton.

According to court records, Nicholas Sannicandro was convicted in 2011 in Massachusetts for possession of child pornography, and he was required to register as a sex offender. Subsequently, he was convicted twice in 2018.

>>13982602

>Ohio County man sentenced for child pornography charge

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Ryan Nicholas Wolf, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 46 months of incarceration for child pornography possession, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Wolf, 35, pled guilty in February 2021 to one count of “Possession of Child Pornography.” Wolf admitted to having devices containing images and videos of child pornography in January 2021 in Ohio County.

Wolf’s Wheeling Island home was searched in January 2021. The search found a thumb drive containing over a thousand images of what appeared to be juveniles. It does not appear as though any of the child pornographic material found in Wolf’s possession was locally produced and/or depicted children that he personally knew.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Department of Homeland Security and Wheeling Police Department investigated.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

>Fulton Missouri Man Arrested on Child Pornography Charges

Davenport, Iowa – A Missouri man was arrested June 16, 2021, in Missouri on criminal charges related to his alleged production of child pornography and sextortion of minor females in Muscatine, Iowa.

According to court documents, Chad Alan Craghead, age 44, of Fulton, Missouri, who is a teacher and coach, posed as a teenage boy online and obtained nude images of Minor Victim 1, a sixteen- year-old from Muscatine. After obtaining those images, he created a second false identity and demanded additional nude images of Minor Victim 1, threatening to disseminate the nude images he already had to her friends and family if she did not comply. Craghead extorted Minor Victim 1 over the course of several months.

Minor Victim 1’s sixteen-year-old cousin, Minor Victim 2, tried to help her. As a result, Craghead extorted Minor Victim 2, threatening to disseminate Minor Victim 1’s nude images if Minor Victim 2 did not comply with his demands for nude images and videos. Minor Victim 2 complied, sending Craghead sexually explicit videos of herself.

The FBI assisted the Muscatine Police Department in the investigation and, through several Snapchat accounts associated with Craghead, located a number of other minor females across the country, some as young as 13 years old, who either sent him nude images or from whom Craghead extorted or attempted to extort nude images.

Craghead is charged with two counts of Production of Child Pornography, two counts of Interstate Communications with Intent to Extort, and one count of Cyberstalking. If convicted, Craghead faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Acting U.S. Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case.

>>13982602

>Fort Madison Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Child Pornography Charges

DAVENPORT, Iowa — On Tuesday, June 22, 2021, United States District Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced George Freeman Cary, age 57, of Fort Madison, to 360 months in prison for Receiving and Distributing Child Pornography and Possessing Child Pornography, announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. Following his prison term, Cary was ordered to serve twenty years of supervised release, as well as pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

Cary was caught distributing child pornography on the Kik messaging application. Cary has previous convictions for Indecent Contact with a Child, Lascivious Acts with a Child, and Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree. Cary also had two prior convictions for failing to comply with the sex offender registry.

This investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the

U.S. Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Childhood” initiative, which was started in 2006 as a nation-wide effort to combine law enforcement investigations and prosecutions, community action, and public awareness in order to reduce the incidence of sexual exploitation of children. Any persons having knowledge of a child being sexually abused are encouraged to call the Iowa Sexual Abuse Hotline at 1-800-284-7821.

>Saratoga County Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child Pornography

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Daniel Porrazzo, a/k/a “lickndipinu,” age 51, of Stillwater, New York, pled guilty today to two counts of possession of child pornography.

The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Kevin Kelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

As part of his guilty plea, Porrazzo admitted that on June 2, 2016, he possessed multiple images of child pornography on two laptop computers, and that the child pornography he possessed included depictions of children under age 12 being sexually abused.

Porrazzo faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a mandatory term of supervised release of 5 years and up to life, and a maximum $250,000 fine, when he is sentenced by Senior United States District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy on October 13, 2021. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. Porrazzo will also have to register as a sex offender.

Porrazzo has been in custody since his arrest on October 2, 2020.

This case was investigated by HSI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua R. Rosenthal.

>>13982602

>Boothbay Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Child Pornography

PORTLAND, Maine: A Boothbay man pleaded guilty today in federal court to distributing child pornography, Acting U.S. Attorney Donald E. Clark announced.

According to court records, on October 8, 2019, Joseph Pinkham, 35, sent several text messages to an individual in Texas containing images of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The individual in Texas reported the conduct to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators identified the sender as Pinkham and obtained a search warrant for his residence in Boothbay. In an interview with investigators, Pinkham acknowledged sending sexually explicit images of minors to the individual in Texas.

Pinkham faces a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 40 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and a term of supervised release of at least five years and up to life. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, the Dallas (Texas) Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case.

>Suring Man Indicted for Crimes Against Underage Child

Acting United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that

on June 22, 2021, a federal grand jury indicted John E. Fredenburgh (age: 36) of Suring, Wisconsin, on

two counts of traveling interstate with the intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor, in violation of

Title 18, United States Code, Section 2423(b), and an additional count of using a computer to attempt to

persuade, induce, or entice a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity, in violation of Title 18, United

States Code, Section 2422(b).

If convicted of the interstate travel charges, Fredenburgh faces up to 30 years’ imprisonment on each

count. If convicted of the child enticement charge, he faces a mandatory 10 years’ imprisonment and up

to a lifetime of imprisonment.

This case was investigated by the Oconto County Sheriff’s Office, the Marinette County Sheriff’s

Office, the Menominee, Michigan Sheriff’s Office, the Menominee (Michigan) Police Department, and

the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R.

Humble.

Terlingua Man Sentenced to Prison for Running a Child Obscenity Website

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtx/pr/terlingua-man-sentenced-prison-running-child-obscenity-website

Texas Man Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Running Child Obscenity Website

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/texas-man-sentenced-40-years-prison-running-child-obscenity-website

Dishonorably discharged Navy sailor sentenced to 7+ years in prison for receipt of child pornography

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdwa/pr/dishonorably-discharged-navy-sailor-sentenced-7-years-prison-receipt-child-pornography

Fort Myers Registered Child Sex Offender Sentenced To 15 Years For Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Images And Videos

https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/fort-myers-registered-child-sex-offender-sentenced-15-years-possessing-child-sexual

UVM ER Doctor Agrees to Plead Guilty to State and Federal Charges

https://www.justice.gov/usao-vt/pr/uvm-er-doctor-agrees-plead-guilty-state-and-federal-charges

Former New York DEA Investigator Convicted Of Enticing A Minor To Have Sex And Child Pornography Charges

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/former-new-york-dea-investigator-convicted-enticing-minor-have-sex-and-child

Navy Mechanic Sentenced to 210 Years for Sexually Assaulting 7 Young Girls, Producing Child Pornography

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ct/pr/navy-mechanic-sentenced-210-years-sexually-assaulting-7-young-girls-producing-child

Laurel Man Pleads Guilty in Maryland to Federal Charge of Receipt of Child Pornography

https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/pr/laurel-man-pleads-guilty-maryland-federal-charge-receipt-child-pornography

Former Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Failing to Register as a Sex Offender

https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/pr/former-texas-man-pleads-guilty-failing-register-sex-offender

NCMEC CyberTipline Report Leads to 19 Year Sentence for Recipient of Child Pornography

https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdnc/pr/ncmec-cybertipline-report-leads-19-year-sentence-recipient-child-pornography

Four Oaks Man Sentenced to 35 Years for Sex Trafficking of a Minor

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc/pr/four-oaks-man-sentenced-35-years-sex-trafficking-minor

>>13982426

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of Maine

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, June 25, 2021

Gorham Man Sentenced to 17 Years for Receiving and Possessing Child Pornography

PORTLAND, Maine: A Gorham man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for receiving and possessing child pornography, Acting U.S. Attorney Donald E. Clark announced.

U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen sentenced Carl Loomis, 65, to 17 years in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release. Loomis pleaded guilty on November 30, 2020.

According to court records, in May 2018, investigators with the Gorham Police Department executed a search warrant at Loomis’s residence in Gorham. He admitted to investigators that he had child pornography images on his phone and that he had sent images to others using chat sites. Investigators seized several electronic devices from the residence. On one of them, they found chats using a messaging application in which Loomis received child pornography images and videos and discussed his sexual interest in children.

The Gorham Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/pr/gorham-man-sentenced-17-years-receiving-and-possessing-child-pornography

>>13982426

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Eastern District of Wisconsin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, June 25, 2021

Green Bay Man Sentenced to 13 years in Federal Prison for Sex Trafficking

Acting United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling of the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 25, 2021, Darryl K. Green (age: 53) of Green Bay, Wisconsin was sentenced to 13 years in federal prison by Senior District Judge William C. Griesbach.

Between January 2020 and August 2020, Green recruited, enticed, and forced dozens of women toengage in acts of prostitution under the threat of physical force. Often compelling the victims to give asmuch as 100% of the proceeds to him. Green also manipulated his victims’ controlled substance addictions to keep them in the prostitution trade. He pled guilty earlier this year to a charge of “Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking” contrary to Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1594(c), 1591(a)(1), and 1591(b)(1).

In handing down the sentence, Judge Griesbach noted the extremely serious nature of the charge, calling it an “astounding offense in many ways.” He further cited a strong need to protect the public and to deter Green and others from engaging in sex trafficking in the future. Following his release from prison, Green will spend 10 years on supervised release.

This case was investigated by the Green Bay Police Department and the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation, with the assistance of the Green Bay office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Erica J. Lounsberry and Daniel R. Humble.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edwi/pr/green-bay-man-sentenced-13-years-federal-prison-sex-trafficking

>>13982426

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Southern District of West Virginia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, June 25, 2021

Hinton Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Child Pornography Charge

BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Hinton man pleaded guilty today to a federal child pornography charge – his second federal child pornography conviction in seven years.

According to court documents, David Alan Hunt, 39, admitted that on January 22, 2021, he possessed child pornography of prepubescent minors on an iPad at his residence in Hinton. Hunt also admitted that at the time he possessed the child pornography, he was on supervised release for a 2014 federal child pornography conviction. Hunt’s supervising United States Probation Officer recovered the iPad containing the child pornography during a home visit.

Hunt faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on October 18, 2021. He also faces consecutive prison time as a result of violating his supervised release.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Probation Office.

United States District Court Judge Frank W. Volk presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Kristin F. Scott and Jennifer Rada Herrald are handling the prosecution.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:21-cr-00075.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdwv/pr/hinton-man-pleads-guilty-federal-child-pornography-charge

>>13982426

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Middle District of Florida

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, June 25, 2021

Federal Jury Convicts Former Police Officer For Attempting To Entice A 14-Year-Old Child To Engage In Sexual Activity And Soliciting The Production Of Child Sex Abuse Images

Jacksonville, Florida – A federal jury has found Andrew Christian Hammock (48, Boca Raton) guilty of attempting to entice a 14-year-old girl to engage in sexual activity and produce visual depictions of herself engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Hammock faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison and a potential life term of supervised release. His sentencing hearing is set for September 20, 2021.

Hammock was arrested on March 17, 2020, at his place of employment, the Margate (Florida) Police Department, where he worked as a sworn police officer.

According to court documents, as well as evidence and testimony admitted during the trial, on February 14, 2020, an undercover FBI agent who was posing online as a 14-year-old child made contact with Hammock, who was using the screen name “playful_guy,” and who later used the name “Florida Guy.” The undercover agent responded to Hammock’s online advertisement that read, “Feel like peeking and being peeked at by a younger girl.” Hammock and the undercover agent exchanged private messages for more than a month using a social media app. On February 16, 2020, Hammock told the “child” that he (Hammock) was employed as a police officer and sent the “child” a photo depicting the waist area of an individual wearing tactical clothing seated in what appeared to be a police vehicle. Between February 14 and March 15, 2020, Hammock sent more than 4,000 messages to the “child,” providing graphic descriptions of the sexually explicit images that he wanted the “child” to take and share with him. Hammock also described in detail the types of sexual activity that he wanted to engage in with the “child.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Jacksonville, with assistance from the Margate Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly S. Karase and Ashley Washington.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/federal-jury-convicts-former-police-officer-attempting-entice-14-year-old-child-engage

>>13982759

>Terlingua Man Sentenced to Prison for Running a Child Obscenity Website

MIDLAND – A federal judge today sentenced 65-year-old Thomas Alan Arthur to 40 years in federal prison for operating a website dedicated to publishing writings that detailed the sexual abuse of children.

On January 21, 2021, a jury convicted Arthur of three counts of trafficking in obscene visual representations of the sexual abuse of a child, five counts of trafficking in obscene text stories about the sexual abuse of children and one count of engaging in the business of selling obscene matters involving the sexual abuse of children.

According to trial evidence, Arthur began operating the Mr. Double website in 1996, and began charging members for access to the site in 1998. The website was dedicated to publishing writings that detail the sexual abuse of children, including the rape, torture and murder of infants and toddlers. The evidence at trial showed that all submissions for publication were reviewed and approved by Arthur before he posted them on the site. Some of the author pages contained drawings depicting children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Evidence at trial showed that the website was Arthur’s sole source of income for more than 20 years. The site was taken offline in November 2019 when the FBI executed a search warrant at his residence near Terlingua, where Arthur administered the site. Pursuant to our Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty with the Netherlands, additional evidence was obtained from the server in the Netherlands where the site was hosted.

Additionally, according to court documents and statements made at the sentencing, Arthur sexually assaulted two females who came forward during the investigation of this case. Court documents and statements made in court showed that in approximately 1992, Arthur drugged an adult woman living with him, sexually assaulted her and video recorded it. In another instance, in the early 1980s, Arthur molested a girl when she was four or five years old, who was the daughter of a friend and business associate.

Nicholas L. McQuaid, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Coburn of the FBI’s El Paso Division made today’s announcement.

“The despicable, exploitative behavior of the defendant in this case is nothing short of shocking. The 40-year sentence imposed by the court reflects the extremely serious nature of the criminal conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Hoff. “I am very grateful for the efforts of our law enforcement partners and prosecutors who worked so tirelessly to hold Arthur accountable for his crimes.” Hoff also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Middle District of Tennessee for their assistance with this prosecution.

In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge David Counts ordered that Arthur pay a $50,000 fine and be placed on supervised release for a period of three years after completing his prison term. Judge Counts also granted the criminal forfeiture to the government of Arthur’s residential property, cash proceeds, the Mr. Double website and numerous electronics he used to carry out his scheme.

“This repugnant exploitation of innocent children has no place in society. The FBI will vigorously pursue anyone that profits on the publishing of visual and textual depictions of the sexual abuse and murder of children. Today’s sentencing shows that we will work tirelessly to prevent the exploitation of children to the fullest extent of the law,” said Acting FBI Special Agent in Charge Coburn. “FBI is committed to collaborating with our law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate these types of cases to ensure predators and their facilitators are found in our communities and face justice.”

The FBI, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Department of Public Safety and Brewster County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Trial Attorney Austin M. Berry of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica Morrison and Assistant U.S. Attorney Fidel Esparza prosecuted the case with assistance from the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.

>>13982759

>Dishonorably discharged Navy sailor sentenced to 7+ years in prison for receipt of child pornography

Defendant previously prosecuted in military court for attempted sex trafficking of a minor

\Tacoma – A 37-year-old Tacoma man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to 90 months in prison and 15 years of supervised release for receipt of child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. This is defendant Brandon Culp’s second conviction involving child exploitation in seven years. At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle said, “You still are a danger to the public…. These victims, these young victims, will be experiencing a life sentence… many will carry scars and wounds and pain their whole life long.”

According to records filed in the case, Culp was living in Tacoma as a registered sex offender in 2019, when a social media company alerted the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that an account associated with Culp had shared images of child sexual abuse. In January 2020, law enforcement executed a court-authorized search warrant at Culp’s home. Forensic examination of Culp’s electronic devices revealed more than 800 files depicting child sexual abuse, including images and videos of adults raping infants and toddlers.

While in the Navy, Culp was prosecuted in military court for using his work computer to access pornography and solicit prostitutes, and for attempted sex trafficking of a minor. In that case, Culp communicated with someone he believed was a child sex trafficker in Mexico about accessing a child to sexually assault. In fact, Culp’s contact was an undercover law enforcement officer. Culp served nearly 5 years in prison in that case. He was dishonorably discharged from the Navy, stripped of rank and benefits, and required to register as a sex offender.

In the current case, Culp admitted in his plea agreement that after his release from prison in the Navy case, he used digital devices and the Internet to receive, distribute, and possess child-pornography images and videos.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Tacoma Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonas Lerman.

>>13982759

>Fort Myers Registered Child Sex Offender Sentenced To 15 Years For Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Images And Videos

Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell today sentenced Brenton Lawrence Frank (30, Fort Myers) to 15 years in federal prison for possessing images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. Frank was also sentenced to a life term of supervised release and ordered to register as a sex offender.

Frank had been found guilty following a bench trial on November 4, 2020.

According to court documents, on September 16, 2019, a deputy from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) stopped Frank’s vehicle for a defective equipment violation. At the conclusion of the traffic stop, Frank consented to a search of his vehicle and the deputy then located Frank’s cellphone under the driver’s seat. Frank admitted to the deputy that the conditions of his supervision prohibited him from possessing the cellphone and signed a written consent authorizing the deputy to search his phone. The deputy observed images of children engaging in sexually explicit conduct on Frank’s cellphone. A subsequent search and forensic analysis of Frank’s cellphone revealed approximately 300 images and 2 videos depicting the sexual exploitation and abuse of children.

In 2011, Frank was convicted in Fort Myers on federal charges of distribution of material involving the sexual exploitation of minors and sentenced to 6 years’ imprisonment and a 15-year term of supervised release.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Myers Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.

>>13982759

>UVM ER Doctor Agrees to Plead Guilty to State and Federal Charges

The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont, the U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Division, Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, and the Chittenden County State’s Attorney announced that pursuant to plea agreements filed in federal and state court, Eike Blohm, 39, of South Burlington, Vermont, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of Possession of Child Pornography in federal court, and one count of Lewd & Lascivious Conduct, one count of Voyeurism (Circumstances – First Offense), and 19 counts of Voyeurism (Place – First Offense) in state court. Blohm, who has been in federal custody since May 22, 2020, is scheduled to plead guilty in federal court before U.S. District Judge Christina Reiss on July 8, 2021, and on July 13, 2021, in Vermont State Superior Court, Chittenden Unit.

According to court records and proceedings, an employee at the University of Vermont Medical Center (UVM MC) discovered a camera hidden in a unisex employee bathroom in the Emergency Department. Investigators with the Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations (CUSI) recovered the camera and discovered approximately 1,300 videos on the camera. Approximately 900 videos depicted hospital employees in at least two bathrooms at UVM MC. Thereafter, CUSI investigators obtained a warrant to search Blohm’s residence in South Burlington, Vermont, and seized numerous digital devices. A search of those devices revealed the presence of child pornography, some of which depicted children under the age of 12 years old.

The federal plea agreement requires Blohm to plead guilty to an Information charging him with one count of Possession of Child Pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252(a)(4)(B). The parties agreed that Blohm should be sentenced within the range of 96-132 months imprisonment, or 8-11 years. The agreement also provides that approximately $39,785.32, the proceeds from the sale of Blohm’s former South Burlington residence that has been held by the Clerk of the Court in the Court’s Registry, will be used to pay restitution to the victims of his offense conduct. The government also agreed to dismiss the pending Indictment, which charges Blohm with Production of Child Pornography, at the time of sentencing.

The state plea agreement requires Blohm to plead guilty to one count of Lewd & Lascivious Conduct, in violation of 13 V.S.A. § 2601, one count of Voyeurism (Circumstances – First Offense), in violation of 13 V.S.A. § 2601(b)(2), and 19 counts of Voyeurism (Place – First Offense), in violation of 13 V.S.A. § 2605(b)(1). The parties agreed that Blohm would receive a sentence of 57-58 months imprisonment on the Lewd & Lascivious Conduct charge, 23-24 months imprisonment on the Voyeurism charges, for a total sentence of 80-82 months.

It is a condition of the federal plea agreement that Blohm plead guilty and is sentenced as provided in the state plea agreement. It is a condition of Blohm’s state plea agreement that Blohm plead guilty and is sentenced as provided in the federal plea agreement. If either the state or federal sentencing judges decline to impose the agreed-upon sentences, Blohm would be permitted to withdraw his guilty pleas in both courts. The parties further agreed that the state and federal sentences are to be served concurrently to each other.

Acting U.S. Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt and Chittenden County State’s Attorney Sarah George commended the investigative efforts of the Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and forensic examiners with the Child Exploitation and Obscenity section. Acting U.S. Attorney Ophardt and SA George highlighted this case as an example of the strong partnership between the state and federal governments in the investigation and prosecution of offenders who exploit children.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara A. Masterson and Trial Attorney James E. Burke IV of the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section are handling the federal prosecution of Blohm. Deputy State’s Attorney Dana Disano is handling the state prosecution of Blohm. Lisa B. Shelkrot of Langrock Sperry & Wool, LLP, represents Blohm in both cases.

>>13982759

>Former New York DEA Investigator Convicted Of Enticing A Minor To Have Sex And Child Pornography Charges

Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today the conviction in Manhattan federal court of FREDERICK L. SCHEININ for attempted production of child pornography, attempted receipt of child pornography, and attempted enticement of a minor. The jury convicted SCHEININ today following a five-day trial before U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff.

U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “As a DEA investigator, Frederick Scheinin was tasked with the important job of protecting the public from the illegal diversion and abuse of prescription drugs, but he betrayed the public trust by spending months trying to prey on a minor for his sexual pleasure. Scheinin now stands convicted of these heinous crimes. This office and our law enforcement partners will continue to work tirelessly to detect and apprehend those who pose a threat to children.”

Up until the time of his arrest, SCHEININ was an investigator in the New York Field Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”). According to the Indictment, documents previously filed in the case, and evidence introduced at trial:

Between October 2019 and January 2020, SCHEININ communicated with an undercover law enforcement officer (“UC‑1”) who was posing as a 14-year-old boy. During the course of hundreds of graphic text communications and multiple real-time conversations, SCHEININ repeatedly sent sexually explicit images and videos to UC-1 in an attempt to persuade UC-1 to transmit sexually explicit images, photos, and live visual depictions of UC-1 to SCHEININ. In particular, SCHEININ repeatedly asked UC-1 to transmit images and videos of UC-1’s penis and anus. SCHEININ also attempted to arrange a meeting with UC-1 at which SCHEININ planned to have sex with UC-1. Law enforcement arrested SCHEININ on January 16, 2020, in New York, New York, at the location where SCHEININ said he would meet UC-1. SCHEININ was in possession of a condom and lubricant at the time of his arrest.

SCHEININ, 33, was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals following the return of the verdict. Attempted production of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison; attempted receipt of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and attempted enticement of a minor carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and maximum sentence of life in prison. SCHEININ is scheduled to be sentenced on September 23, 2021, at 4:00 p.m.

* * *

Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department and the Cyber Investigations Office of the United States Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General. Ms. Strauss also thanked the New York Office of the DEA and the DEA Office of Professional Responsibility for their assistance in the matter.

The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicholas W. Chiuchiolo and Daniel G. Nessim are in charge of the prosecution.

>>13982759

>Navy Mechanic Sentenced to 210 Years for Sexually Assaulting 7 Young Girls, Producing Child Pornography

RANDALL TILTON, 32, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 210 years of imprisonment for child pornography production offenses related to his sexual of abuse of seven young girls in three states over the course of several years.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 1, 2019, Tilton was arrested on state sexual assault charges after he admitted in an interview with Town of Groton Police that he had sexually assaulted several minor victims, and that he had recorded some of the sexual assaults. Subsequent examination of a laptop, tablet, cellphone and two flash drives seized from Tilton revealed that, beginning in approximately 2014, Tilton sexually assaulted seven girls who were between the ages of four months and eight years old. Tilton photographed and video recorded many of these sexual assaults. Some of the images depict a minor victim bound and restrained while Tilton sexually assaulted her. Tilton distributed some of the videos of these sexual assaults on the dark web through the Tor network.

Tilton’s electronic devices also included thousands of images and videos of the sexual abuse of other minors, including sadomasochistic images of minors in bondage, sexual assaults on infants, and sexual acts on the corpse of a minor.

When he was arrested, Tilton was employed as a forward auxiliary mechanic in the U.S. Navy and was residing in Groton. The investigation revealed that Tilton sexually assaulted children in Connecticut, New Hampshire and California.

Tilton systematically and repeatedly preyed upon young children for his own sexual pleasure,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Leonard C Boyle. “And since some of videos of his sexual abuse of one child will likely exist forever on the internet, he has ensured that she will continue to be victimized, every time those images are viewed by others, for the rest of her life. I commend the FBI, NCIS and Groton Town Police Department investigators for helping to ensure justice for these children and their families, and I thank the New London State’s Attorney’s Office for its close cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of this case. Their combined effort, and this severe sentence, will undoubtedly protect children from future harm.”

“The Groton community is safer today now that a serial sexual predator who preyed on numerous children, the majority of whom are Navy dependents, has been brought to justice,” said NCIS Northeast Field Office Special Agent in Charge Michael Wiest. “We offer our heartfelt gratitude to the Groton Town Police Department and the FBI for their substantial efforts to bring resolution to these reprehensible crimes. NCIS remains committed to working closely with our local and federal law enforcement partners to protect children in the vibrant communities where Department of the Navy personnel live and work.”

“I must emphasize that this case is among the most disturbing and heinous series of acts that any law enforcement officer will ever encounter in their careers,” said Chief Louis J. Fusaro, Jr. of the Town of Groton Police Department. “It will stay with all of them and the victims for the rest of their lives. I could not be prouder of the work done by our detectives and investigators who dedicated hundreds of hours conducting interviews of victims, gathering and reviewing digital evidence, and ultimately obtaining a confession from Tilton that would lead to this conviction. Through the exceptional efforts of these officers and in partnerships with federal agents, the Connecticut Department of Correction and prosecutors from the New London State’s Attorney’s Office and the U. S. Attorney’s Office, this predator will never victimize another child. I also want to acknowledge the involvement of forensic interviewers from the New London County Child Advocacy Center who played a critical role in this case from the very beginning. The public should know that through these partnerships and the combined efforts of all involved, that it is a team effort to bring criminals like this to justice. We hope that the conviction of this predator will help the many victims impacted by his actions to begin the healing process.”

Tilton has been detained since his arrest. On December 7, 2020, he pleaded guilty to seven counts of production of child pornography.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Town of Groton Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nancy V. Gifford and Amanda S. Oakes.

>>13982426

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of South Dakota

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, June 25, 2021

Wagner Man Convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child Under 12 Years Old

Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that Frank Sanchez, age 66, of Wagner, South Dakota, was found guilty of one count of Abusive Sexual Contact, and was acquitted of one count of Aggravated Sexual Abuse and one count of Abusive Sexual Contact as a result of a federal jury trial in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

The charge of conviction carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, up to life of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Sanchez was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 3, 2019.

The conviction stems from an incident between June 1, 2006, and September 1, 2006, when Sanchez engaged in sexual contact with a female minor who had not attained the age of 12 years. The incident occurred while they were living with relatives in the Marty, South Dakota, area.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.

A presentence investigation was ordered. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/wagner-man-convicted-abusive-sexual-contact-child-under-12-years-old

>>13982431

>Wichita Man Sentenced for Distributing Thousands of Child Porn Images

WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita man was sentenced to 155 months for distributing child pornography, Acting United States Attorney Duston J. Slinkard announced.

Devan Navarette, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of Distribution of Child Pornography in February 2021. In his plea, he admitted to operating a Dropbox account to share files of child pornography with other users. Dropbox discovered Navarette’s activities and reported him to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Investigators found thousands of images depicting children, including prepubescent children, made to engage in sex acts. As part of his sentence, Navarette will also pay $57,000 in restitution to victims.

Slinkard commended Homeland Security Investigations, the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Wichita Police Department and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office for their work on the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart prosecuted the case.

>>13982759

>Laurel Man Pleads Guilty in Maryland to Federal Charge of Receipt of Child Pornography

Greenbelt, Maryland – Barry Thomas Goldsborough, age 52, of Laurel, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to a federal charge for receipt of child pornography and to violating his federal supervised release for two previous federal sex offense convictions for attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity and for possession of child pornography. Goldsborough has been detained since his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Maryland on September 23, 2020.

The guilty plea was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; Special Agent in Charge James R. Mancuso of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore; Colonel Woodrow W. Jones III, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police; and Chief Malik Aziz of the Prince George’s County Police Department.

According his plea agreement, on April 8, 2019, Yahoo sent a CyberTipline Report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that an email account associated with Goldsborough had uploaded 181 files of suspected child pornography to his Yahoo account. Law enforcement subsequently reviewed the 181 files and determined that approximately 70 of the 181 files were considered child pornography.

On November 19, 2019, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Goldsborough’s residence in Laurel and seized several electronic devices. A review of one of the devices revealed one image of child pornography. Law enforcement subsequently obtained a search warrant for Goldsborough’s email address, which revealed that Goldsborough sent and received multiple images of child pornography. For example, on January 27, 2018, Goldsborough received an image of child pornography from another email address. Goldsborough responded to the sender, indicating that he liked young girls between eight and 14 years old. Goldsborough also claimed to have had sex with an 11-year-old girl.

Law enforcement also obtained a search warrant for an Internet storage account associated with Goldsborough’s email address. A review of the records found approximately 26 videos documenting the sexual abuse of children.

Goldsborough has two prior federal sex offense convictions involving minor children. Specifically, a prior conviction for attempted enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee and a prior conviction for possession of child pornography in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. Goldsborough was serving a 72-month term of federal supervised release from those two prior federal convictions at the time he committed the instant offense. . As part of his plea agreement, Goldsborough acknowledged that he will be required to continue to register as a sex offender in the places where he resides, is an employee, and is a student, pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), and the laws of his state of residence. Goldsborough will also be required to pay an additional special assessment of $5,000.

Goldsborough and the government have agreed that, if the Court accepts the plea, Goldsborough will be sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for receipt of child pornography and a consecutive sentence of between 15 and 21 months in federal prison for multiple violations of his federal supervised release. U.S. District Judge George J. Hazel has scheduled sentencing for October 20, 2021, at 10:00 a.m.

For information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office’s priorities regarding Project Safe Childhood, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-childhood. For more USAO-MD information about internet safety for children, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended HSI, Maryland State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Lenzner thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah B. Grossi, who is prosecuting the federal case.

>>13982759

>NCMEC CyberTipline Report Leads to 19 Year Sentence for Recipient of Child Pornography

GREENSBORO, N.C. - Gene Legrand Hickman, Jr. of Moore County, age 63, was sentenced today to 228 months in prison for receiving child pornography. Hickman is also subject to lifetime supervision upon release.

According to court documents, in February 2018, Hickman engaged in sexually explicit chats on Instagram with a 15-year-old boy and a second individual purporting to be a 14-year-old boy. During one of the chats, Hickman revealed that he had engaged in sexual activity with a minor boy on multiple occasions. Hickman also favorably discussed the sexual abuse of boys with another Instagram user who claimed to have sexually exploited multiple minors. Facebook, Inc., the owner of Instagram, reported the conduct to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The following month, Facebook, Inc. reported a second Instagram account used by Hickman to NCMEC because it contained a child pornography image depicting an adult male engaging in a sex act with two prepubescent boys. NCMEC issued CyberTipline reports concerning Hickman’s accounts. The reports were routed to the Moore County Sheriff’s Office.

In June 2018, Moore County investigators executed a warrant at Hickman’s residence and recovered four devices that, in total, contained hundreds of child pornography files. Moore County investigators obtained the contents of Hickman’s Instagram accounts from Facebook, Inc. The records revealed additional similar behavior concerning the sexual exploitation of minors and claims by Hickman that he sexually molested multiple minors.

In December 2019, Moore County and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation investigators executed a second warrant at Hickman’s residence. Investigators found Hickman’s unlocked phone and a manual search of the device revealed that Hickman had used a heavily encrypted messaging application to send and receive child pornography files. Hickman admitted that he engaged in sexual activity with a minor boy on multiple occasions over a period of years. The Federal Bureau of Investigation then adopted the case for further investigation and federal prosecution.

According to its website, NCMEC’s CyberTipline is the nation’s centralized reporting system for the online exploitation of children. The public and electronic service providers can make reports of suspected online enticement of children for sexual acts, child sexual molestation, child sexual abuse material, child sex tourism, child sex trafficking, unsolicited obscene materials sent to a child, misleading domain names, and misleading words or digital images on the internet. https://www.missingkids.org/gethelpnow/cybertipline.

The Moore County Sheriff’s Office and Federal Bureau of Investigation are both members of the North Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The Task Force is led by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) Computer Crimes Division. https://www.ncsbi.gov/Divisions/Field-Operations/Computer-Crimes. According to the SBI, NCMEC CyberTipline reports have increased dramatically as follows:

Year - NCMEC CyberTipline Reports to North Carolina

2016 - 2511

2017 - 3258

2018 - 4737

2019 - 4893

2020 - 9308

2021 - >11,000*

*Estimated based on reports to date: 5375 as of June 18, 2021.

>>13982759

>Former Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Failing to Register as a Sex Offender

BANGOR, Maine: A former Texas man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Bangor to failing to register as a sex offender, Acting U.S. Attorney Donald E. Clark announced.

According to court records, in 2007, Antonio Cardenas aka “Tony Vosburg,” 34, was convicted in Texas of Aggravated Assault of a Child under 14 Years of Age. This felony conviction made Cardenas a lifetime sex offender registrant in Texas. In about early August 2020, he moved from Texas and began living in Mars Hill and Caribou, Maine. He did not notify the Texas Sex Offender Registry that he was moving. Further, prior to his arrest on February 10, 2021, he made no attempt to register with the Maine Sex Offender Registry.

Cardenas faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The United States Marshals Service investigated the case.

>Four Oaks Man Sentenced to 35 Years for Sex Trafficking of a Minor

RALEIGH, N.C. – A Four Oaks man was sentenced yesterday to 420 months in prison and a life term of supervised release for sex trafficking of a minor and using the internet to operate a prostitution enterprise. On December 17, 2020, Marvarlus Cortel Snead was convicted of the charges after a four-day jury trial. Snead was also ordered to pay more than $200,000 in restitution to the minor victim.

According to court documents and other information presented in court, Snead, 34, prostituted an adult female and a minor victim in various locations throughout the Eastern District of North Carolina in December 2017 and January 2018. Snead targeted extremely vulnerable victims and enticed them with promises of money and romance. Snead also engaged in a sexual relationship with both women and, after convincing them to join him, manipulated them and took their money for himself. Snead was arrested following a January 24, 2018 prostitution sting operation at a hotel in Wilmington, NC, where Snead was prostituting the minor after posting ads online. Following his arrest, Snead sought to continue his manipulation of the minor victim by coercing the victim into signing false affidavits aimed at exonerating Snead but which were actually written by others at Snead’s direction.

G. Norman Acker, III, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. Mr. Acker commented: “This case is about the victims, who suffered at the hands of a greedy trafficker. Our community will not tolerate perpetrators like this defendant targeting our most vulnerable children and citizens for their profit.” The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bryan Stephany and Erin C. Blondel prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:19-CR-151-D.

Springfield Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Offenses

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/springfield-man-pleads-guilty-child-pornography-offenses

Kanawha County Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Charge

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdwv/pr/kanawha-county-man-pleads-guilty-child-pornography-charge

Registered sex offender sentenced to 10 years in prison for possession of images of child rape and abuse

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdwa/pr/registered-sex-offender-sentenced-10-years-prison-possession-images-child-rape-and

Former Philadelphia Middle School Teacher Sentenced to 15 Years for Multiple Child Exploitation Offenses

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edpa/pr/former-philadelphia-middle-school-teacher-sentenced-15-years-multiple-child

Citrus County Woman Arrested For Using A Minor To Produce Child Sex Abuse Images And Distributing Them Over The Internet

https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/citrus-county-woman-arrested-using-minor-produce-child-sex-abuse-images-and

Kansas Man Indicted for Child Pornography

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ks/pr/kansas-man-indicted-child-pornography

Pine Ridge Man Found Not Guilty of Sexual Abuse of a Minor

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/pine-ridge-man-found-not-guilty-sexual-abuse-minor

Grand Jury - June 2021

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ne/pr/grand-jury-june-2021

>>13994666

>Springfield Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Offenses

Springfield Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Offenses

BOSTON – A Springfield man pleaded guilty in federal court in Springfield today to child pornography offenses.

Ross Lopata, 33, pleaded guilty today to four counts of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Nov. 12, 2021. Lopata was indicted in June 2020 and has been in custody since his arrest on June 11, 2020.

Lopata received and possessed child pornography on various dates between Dec. 17, 2018 and June 11, 2020 by downloading image and video files from the internet that depicted prepubescent children engaged in sex acts.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex J. Grant of Mendell’s Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

>Kanawha County Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Charge

Springfield Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Offenses

BOSTON – A Springfield man pleaded guilty in federal court in Springfield today to child pornography offenses.

Ross Lopata, 33, pleaded guilty today to four counts of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Nov. 12, 2021. Lopata was indicted in June 2020 and has been in custody since his arrest on June 11, 2020.

Lopata received and possessed child pornography on various dates between Dec. 17, 2018 and June 11, 2020 by downloading image and video files from the internet that depicted prepubescent children engaged in sex acts.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex J. Grant of Mendell’s Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

>>13994666

>Registered sex offender sentenced to 10 years in prison for possession of images of child rape and abuse

Seattle – A registered sex offender, originally from Arkansas, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 10 years in prison, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Johnathon R. Umphlett, 31, of Arkansas, pleaded guilty in October 2020 to possession of child pornography. At today’s sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour imposed lifetime supervised release to follow prison, noting Umphlett’s history of molesting children.

According to records filed in the case, Umphlett was contacted by Seattle Police in June 2019, when a witness at a restaurant reported Umphlett was viewing what appeared to be child pornography on his smart phone. Umphlett provided his phone to the Seattle Police Detective for review, and the detective verified a number of images of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Forensic analysis of the phone revealed 68 files of images of child rape and abuse. Umphlett has a 2014 conviction in Arkansas for sexually assaulting a seven-year-old boy. He admits to a history of sexual abuse of children including molesting a 6-year-old child in a public restroom at a church.

In asking for the 10-year sentence prosecutors wrote to the court “Those who collect and share images and videos of children being raped and tortured further a market that thrives on the sexual abuse of children. The collection of this material drives demand for new material and normalize horrific acts of sexual exploitation. And it subjects victims of child abuse to perpetual re-victimization, knowing that the digital record of their worst moments forever travels the globe to satisfy the sexual appetite of child predators.”

The Internet Crimes against Children Task Force led by the Seattle Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson.

>Former Philadelphia Middle School Teacher Sentenced to 15 Years for Multiple Child Exploitation Offenses

PHILADELPHIA – Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Christopher O’Sullivan, 32, of Philadelphia, PA, was sentenced to 15 years in prison, 10 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $5,200 restitution by United States District Judge Nitza I. Quinones-Alejandro for crimes stemming from his sexual exploitation of a student via text message.

In October 2020, the defendant pleaded guilty to one count of enticement of a minor, and one count of production of child pornography. According to court documents, over the course of several weeks in June and July 2019, O’Sullivan, a middle school teacher at a Philadelphia charter school at the time, sent a series of sexually suggestive text messages to Minor 1, a student of his who was twelve years old, in an effort to coerce the boy to engage in sexual activity and to send O’Sullivan sexually explicit photographs. Eventually, the child acquiesced to the pressure and sent O’Sullivan a photograph of his genitalia. The child’s parents saw the sexually explicit text messages on the child’s phone and contacted authorities, and law enforcement later found the same photograph on the defendant’s phone.

“O’Sullivan held one of the most sacred positions of trust in our society, a molder of young minds – a teacher,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Williams. “Schools must be safe havens for children. For this defendant to abuse his position by targeting and manipulating a student for his own perverse gratification is almost unimaginable. As always, we stand ready with our federal partners to identify and prosecute individuals that perpetuate this type of child abuse.”

“What a betrayal by Christopher O’Sullivan,” said Michael J. Driscoll, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “He went from teaching a classroom full of kids to eagerly manipulating and sexually exploiting a vulnerable young boy. O’Sullivan is now being held responsible for his predatory behavior, locked behind bars so he can’t target anyone else’s child.”

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle L. Morgan.

>>13994666

>Citrus County Woman Arrested For Using A Minor To Produce Child Sex Abuse Images And Distributing Them Over The Internet

Ocala, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Karin Hoppmann announces the arrest of Ashley Renea Hilligoss (37, Citrus Springs) on a criminal complaint charging her with the production and distribution of images depicting the sexual abuse of a child. If convicted on both counts, Hilligoss faces a maximum penalty of 50 years in federal prison and a potential life term of supervised release.

According to the complaint, Hilligoss took sexually explicit photographs of a child to whom she had access and sent these photos to another individual over the internet. Federal agents later searched an encrypted online file storage account belonging to that individual, which account contained copies of the photographs.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Ocala Resident Agency. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William S. Hamilton.

>Kansas Man Indicted for Child Pornography

WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury indicted Truman Gentry, 25, of Augusta, Kansas, on two counts of Production of Child Pornography, one count of Advertising for Production of Child Pornography and one count of Possession of Child Pornography.

If convicted, Gentry faces 15 to 30 years in prison for each count of Production of Child Pornography, 15 to 30 years in prison for Advertising for Production of Child Pornography and up to 20 years in prison for Possession of Child Pornography.

The investigating agencies include: the United States Attorney’s Office, North Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children, Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children, Homeland Security Investigations, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Boone, North Carolina Police Department, Wichita Police Department, Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, and the Augusta Department of Public Safety.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting the case.

>>13994666

>Pine Ridge Man Found Not Guilty of Sexual Abuse of a Minor

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Pine Ridge man was acquitted of two counts of Sexual Abuse and two counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor following a federal jury trial in Rapid City, South Dakota, on June 11, 2021.

Leon Janis, age 37, was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 21, 2019.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety.

>Grand Jury - June 2021

Isaiah James Dorsey, age 19, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Dorsey with production of child pornography on or about November 22, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 30 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and $5,000 additional special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with distribution of child pornography beginning on or about November 22, 2019 to on or about November 19, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and $5,000 additional special assessment.

Cody D. Vancura, age 27, of Hayes Center, Nebraska, is charged in a four-count Indictment. Count I charges Vancura with sexual exploitation of children after a prior sexual exploitation conviction on or about April 2, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 50 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and $50,000 additional special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with receipt and distribution of child pornography with prior conviction on or about June 12, 2020 to on or about May 12, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and $35,000 additional special assessment. Count III charges the defendant with transportation of child pornography with prior conviction on or about June 12, 2020 to on or about May 12, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and $35,000 additional special assessment. Count IV charges the defendant with possession of child pornography with prior conviction on or about May 12, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and $17,000 additional special assessment.

Lubec Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child Pornography

https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/pr/lubec-man-pleads-guilty-possessing-child-pornography

Little Eagle Man Indicted for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of Child

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/little-eagle-man-indicted-aggravated-sexual-abuse-child

Rapid City Man Indicted on Child Pornography Charges

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/rapid-city-man-indicted-child-pornography-charges-10

Tulsa Man Sentenced for Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndok/pr/tulsa-man-sentenced-abusive-sexual-contact-minor

Inland Empire Attorney Faces Federal Charge of Producing Child Pornography for Enticing Minor to Send Sexually Explicit Images

https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/pr/inland-empire-attorney-faces-federal-charge-producing-child-pornography-enticing-minor

Minnesota Man Sentenced for Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct with a Minor

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/minnesota-man-sentenced-travel-intent-engage-illicit-sexual-conduct-minor

Todd County Man Indicted for Aggravated Sexual Abuse, Assault With a Dangerous Weapon, Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, and Related Offenses

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/todd-county-man-indicted-aggravated-sexual-abuse-assault-dangerous-weapon-failure

Pittsford Man Going To Prison For 18 Years For Production Of Child Pornography

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/pittsford-man-going-prison-18-years-production-child-pornography

Ohio man sentenced for soliciting minor for child pornography

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/ohio-man-sentenced-soliciting-minor-child-pornography

Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Charge

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndok/pr/man-pleads-guilty-child-pornography-charge-0

Behavioral Health Specialist Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Enticing A Minor Hopsital Patient for Sex, and Attempting to Obstruct His Prosecution

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdil/pr/behavioral-health-specialist-sentenced-15-years-federal-prison-enticing-minor-hopsital

Brian J. McKay, 46, of Brookhaven, Pennsylvania, is serving a 180-month sentence, with a scheduled release date of June 28, 2021, following his guilty plea in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania to one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. McKay is charged with allegedly transferring micro SD cards containing images of child sexual abuse to a government informant at Fort Dix on Nov. 1, 2016, and on Feb. 15, 2017, on behalf of other inmates (conspirators Allen and Roffler, below). The first micro SD card included child sexual abuse videos involving prepubescent children as well as bestiality. The second micro SD card included hundreds of images and videos of child sexual abuse.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/five-inmates-arrested-federal-correctional-institution-fort-dix-distributing-images-child

Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a St. Cloud, Minnesota, man convicted of Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct with a Minor was sentenced on June 14, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Nathan Paul Grondahl, age 25, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $5,100.

Grondahl was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 10, 2019. He pled guilty on March 22, 2021.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on November 22, 2019, when Grondahl left his home in Minnesota to travel to Hartford, South Dakota, for the purpose of engaging in illegal sexual conduct with a 13-year old female. Grondahl had met the minor on social media and had been communicating with her for a few days. Grondahl also requested that the minor female send him nude pictures of herself.

This case was investigated by the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.

Grondahl has been allowed to self-surrender by June 28, 2021.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/minnesota-man-sentenced-travel-intent-engage-illicit-sexual-conduct-minor

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Southern District of Illinois

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, June 28, 2021

Behavioral Health Specialist Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Enticing a Minor Hopsital Patient for Sex, and Attempting to Obstruct His Prosecution

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – Ricardo D. Minor, 40, of Cahokia, Illinois, will be spending 15 years in

federal prison for enticing a minor to have sex with him. Minor was sentenced to 180 months’

imprisonment for enticement of a minor; traveling with intent to have sex with a minor; and

attempting to obstruct his prosecution. Minor will also serve ten years of supervised release after

release from prison.

According to court documents, the crimes occurred between June 14, 2017 and September 3, 2017,

while Minor was working as a Behavioral Health Specialist at a local hospital and the victim was a

patient. Minor admitted that he used his cell phone and internet to contact the victim to have

sex with him on several occasions in homes in Collinsville, Illinois, and Cahokia, Illinois. Minor

was also a driver for Uber and would take the victim with him on trips to have sex. The Court also

heard evidence regarding other allegations of criminal and inappropriate sexual contact by Minor,

including with patients receiving therapy at the same hospital.

The obstruction charge was based upon Minor’s activity between August 2017 and November 27, 2017.

During this time, he attempted to obstruct his prosecution by contacting the victim

and witnesses to get them to lie regarding his criminal conduct. One witness was asked to call

the family of the victim to get the family not to pursue charges.

The Court in sentencing Minor said that his conduct was “reprehensible” and noted that the 15-year

sentence of imprisonment was needed to deter further criminal conduct.

After the sentencing U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft said, “This case is so egregious because the

defendant preyed on a vulnerable victim who he knew was receiving behavioral health treatment.” He

cautioned parents that, “The case serves to highlight how important it is for parents to monitor

their children’s internet and cell phone usage because sexual predators rely on their cell phones

to gain access to victims.”

The case was investigated by the Collinsville Police Department, the St. Louis County

Police

Department and the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Angela Scott prosecuted the case.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdil/pr/behavioral-health-specialist-sentenced-15-years-federal-prison-enticing-minor-hopsita-0

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Southern District of Ohio

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, June 28, 2021

Jury convicts Westerville man of sexually exploiting a five-year old

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A United States District Court jury has convicted Christopher M. Sammons, 28, of four counts related to creating child pornography of his sexual abuse of a five-year old. Sammons faces at least 15 years in prison.

The jury reached the verdict late Friday, June 25 following a trial that began on June 21 before U.S. District Judge Sarah D. Morrison.

According to court documents and trial testimony, on March 11, 2019, an undercover FBI agent in Little Rock, Arkansas, received a message from Sammons regarding sexual interest in children.

Throughout their conversations, Sammons encouraged the undercover agent to “just make some homemade stuff” when discussing the availability of child pornography.

Sammons detailed sexually abusing a then five-year-old victim and also offered to “share her next time if you’re interested in a long-term thing.” Sammons sent the agent child pornography files and suggested plans for he and the agent to exchange videos of them sexually abusing minors.

Based on IP address information, the investigative lead was forwarded to FBI Columbus and a Task Force Officer here began communicating with Sammons. Sammons told the task force officer he had been sexually abusing the victim for a year.

The jury convicted Sammons of one count of sexually exploiting a minor (punishable by 15 to 30 years in prison), two counts of making a notice for child pornography (15 to 30 years in prison) and one count of distributing child pornography (five to 20 years in prison).

Congress sets the maximum statutory sentence. Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court at a future hearing based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

Vipal J. Patel, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Chris Hoffman, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati District; Westerville Police Chief Charles Chandler and other members of the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force announced today’s verdict. Senior Litigation Counsel Heather A. Hill and Special Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer M. Rausch, Legal Director of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Human Trafficking Initiative, represented the United States in this case.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdoh/pr/jury-convicts-westerville-man-sexually-exploiting-five-year-old

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Northern District of Oklahoma

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, June 28, 2021

Oklahoma Man Charged with Receipt and Distribution of an Obscene Visual Presentation of Sexual Abuse of Children

A Grand Jury in the Northern District of Oklahoma has charged a former dependent of an United States Armed Forces member with two counts of receipt and distribution of an obscene visual presentation of sexual abuse of a minor child under the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act (MEJA), announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clinton J. Johnson.

On Thursday, June 24, 2021, Derek Ray Flaming, 35, of Salina, Oklahoma, appeared for his initial appearance in the Northern District of Oklahoma on two counts of Receipt and Distribution of an Obscene Visual Representation of Sexual Abuse of Children in violation of 18 U.S.C. Sections 1466A(a)(1) and 3261(a)(1).

“My office is committed to protecting minor children from all manner of alleged abuse, neglect, and exploitation,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clinton J. Johnson. “Derek Flaming has been charged with knowingly receiving and distributing an obscene picture of a minor child engaging in sexually explicit conduct while residing in South Korea with a member of the United States Armed Forces.”

According to the indictment, during 2016 and 2017, Flaming was the dependent of an United States Armed Forces member stationed at United State Army Garrison (USAG) – Youngsan, within the Republic of Korea. During this time, Flaming received and later distributed an image depicting a minor child engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

MEJA gives U.S. courts jurisdiction to prosecute crimes committed outside the United States by, among others, dependents of United States Armed Forces Dependents residing with members of the armed forces stationed outside the United States.

The case was investigated by the Army Criminal Investigative Command, the CEOS High Technology Investigative Unit, U.S. Marshals’ Northern Oklahoma Violent Crime Task Force and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by CEOS Trial Attorney Ralph Paradiso and Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Jolly of the Northern District of Oklahoma.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndok/pr/oklahoma-man-charged-receipt-and-distribution-obscene-visual-presentation-sexual-abuse

Brittiny Linn Dick. Sexual Exploitation of a Child (Count 1); Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor (Count 2). On May 7, 2012, Dick, 30, of Vinita, is alleged to have enticed and coerced a young child to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child sexual abuse material, also known as child pornography. The alleged crimes occurred within the Cherokee Reservation. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.

Earl Hardy Morrow and Kory Edwin Morrow. Distribution and Receipt of Child Pornography.(Counts 1 and 2); Possession of Child Pornography (Count 3) (superseding). From Feb. 20 to Feb. 27, 2020, Early Morrow, 39, of Broken Arrow, allegedly distributed and received child sexual abuse material. From Nov. 5, 2019 to Feb. 27, 2020, Kory Morrow, 41, of Broken Arrow, allegedly distributed and received child sexual abuse material. Both men are also charged with possessing child sexual abuse material, including images involving at least one prepubescent minor and a minor who had not attained 12 years of age from Nov. 5, 2019 to Feb. 27, 2020. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndok/pr/federal-grand-jury-b-indictments-announced-june

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Southern District of Indiana

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, June 29, 2021

North Vernon Man Sentenced for Sexual Exploitation of Toddler

INDIANAPOLIS – A North Vernon man was sentenced to 25 years in prison for sexual exploitation of a minor child. He will also serve 20 years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution to the minor victim.

According to court documents, Gage Campos, 26, was arrested September 2, 2020 after evidence of sexual exploitation of a minor child was recovered from his Google account and one of his cell phones. The image creation dates ranged from July to October 2019. The offenses occurred when the minor victim was a toddler, and law enforcement learned that Campos was in a position of trust with respect to the child.

In addition to sexually explicit images of the minor victim, forensic examiners also found evidence that Campos had been collecting child sexual abuse material for at least 4 years. Campos used Google to search for material and images related to the sexual abuse of children. In 2020, Google reported the suspected child abuse images that were contained in one of its user accounts, later identified as belonging to Campos, to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The NCMEC turned this evidence over to the Indiana State Police and the FBI. Working together with partners from the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, officers identified Campos, recovered evidence from his residence, obtained a confession, and ensured the safety of the minor victim.

“The citizens of the Southern District of Indiana rightfully expect swift and coordinated action by law enforcement and their partners to investigate and prosecute persons such as Mr. Campos, said Acting U.S. Attorney John E. Childress. “His significant sentence of imprisonment sends a strong message to others who might consider imitating his reprehensible conduct.”

“Those who prey on the most vulnerable of our citizens and victimize them through such despicable criminal acts can expect to be held accountable,” said FBI Indianapolis Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Middleton. “This sentence demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to investigating cases of child pornography with a sense of urgency, as well as the collaboration with our law enforcement partners to ensure there is one less predator victimizing our children.”

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Indiana State Police – Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Martinsville Police Department.

Assistant United States Attorney Kristina Korobov prosecuted the case.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdin/pr/north-vernon-man-sentenced-sexual-exploitation-toddler

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Eastern District of Wisconsin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, June 29, 2021

Town of Mishicot Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison Following Decades of Sexually Abusing Children

Acting United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on June 28, 2021, Timothy J. Tetzlaff (age: 59) of the Town of Mishicot, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison by Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach.

In March 2021, Tetzlaff pled guilty to Transportation of a Minor with the Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity and Production of Child Pornography. The facts introduced at the sentencing hearing demonstrated that Tetzlaff sexually abused at least eight Manitowoc area children beginning in 1987.

In October 2020, an underage victim came forward and reported abuse by Tetzlaff to Manitowoc authorities and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). An investigation revealed that Tetzlaff often took minors on camping trips throughout the United States and Canada, abusing them numerous times during the journeys. Tetzlaff also assaulted the children at his home in the Town of Mishicot. Law enforcement also discovered digital images of one of the victims on a digital camera belonging to Tetzlaff. Teztlaff had surreptitiously photographed the child while he slept in 2015. Following his arrest, several additional victims came forward to report being abused by Tetzlaff.

When sentencing Tetzlaff, Judge Griesbach noted the horrendous nature of the crimes and Tetzlaff’s pattern of preying on children. Judge Griesbach explained that a 30-year prison sentence was lengthy enough to protect the community given Tetzlaff’s advanced age. Upon the completion of his prison sentence, Tetzlaff will serve the remainder of his life on supervised release.

This case was investigated by the Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office and the Green Bay office of the FBI. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edwi/pr/town-mishicot-man-sentenced-30-years-federal-prison-following-decades-sexually-abusing

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Middle District of Florida

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, June 29, 2021

Lehigh Acres Man Sentenced To 29 Years In Federal Prison For Using A Child To Produce Images Depicting Sexual Abuse

Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced John Michael Breen (33, Lehigh Acres) to 29 years in federal prison for sexually abusing a child and taking photos of this abuse. Breen was also sentenced to a lifetime of supervised release and ordered to register as a sex offender.

Breen had pleaded guilty on August 19, 2020.

According to court documents, between April 28 and July 20, 2018, Breen used a child to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing images of this abuse. Breen subsequently uploaded these photos over the internet to a cloud-based storage service. On December 13, 2019, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Breen’s residence. During an interview with law enforcement, Breen admitted that he had sexually abused a 7-year-old child at his home and took pictures of the abuse using his cellphone.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Myers Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/lehigh-acres-man-sentenced-29-years-federal-prison-using-child-produce-images-depicting

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Southern District of Iowa

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, June 29, 2021

Mount Pleasant Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Child Pornography Offense

DAVENPORT, IOWA – A Mount Pleasant man was sentenced on June 28, 2021, by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose to 132 months in prison for Receiving and Distributing Child Pornography. Alanis was ordered to serve five years of supervised release to follow his prison term, pay $100.00 to the Crime Victims’ Fund and $6,000 in restitution.

According to court documents, Jacob Hugo Alanis, age 21, was identified by the Mount Pleasant Police Department when they received a cyber tip from Dropbox alleging the presence of child pornography related to a particular email address. On October 15, 2019, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the residence associated with the email address. At the residence, Alanis admitted the email address belonged to him. Alanis also admitted downloading, watching, and trading child pornography. Law enforcement seized multiple electronic devices, on which law enforcement located hundreds of images and videos of child pornography.

Acting U.S. Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement.

The Mount Pleasant Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this matter. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Childhood” initiative, which was started in 2006 as a nation-wide effort to combine law enforcement investigations and prosecutions, community action, and public awareness in order to reduce the incidence of sexual exploitation of children. Any persons having knowledge of a child being sexually abused are encouraged to call the Iowa Sexual Abuse Hotline at 1-800-284-7821.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdia/pr/mount-pleasant-man-sentenced-federal-prison-child-pornography-offense

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Eastern District of Missouri

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, June 29, 2021

Judge sentences Chesterfield man for sex trafficking

ST. LOUIS – United States District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig sentenced Jeremy Rogers, 45, of Chesterfield, Missouri, to 10 years imprisonment on today’s date. Rogers pleaded guilty, in February, to one count of sex trafficking of a child.

Rogers, in the summer of 2019, contacted the child victim, via a social media application, utilizing an alias. By utilizing the alias, Rogers was able to hide his status as a registered sex offender. During the course of their communications, Rogers was made aware of the victim’s age. In July of 2019, Rogers persuaded the victim to meet him. Rogers drove the victim to his residence in Chesterfield where he subjected her to various sexual acts including sexual intercourse.

Prior to sentencing and by way of an impact statement, the child victim told the Court the following: “What happened has greatly hurt the way I value and view myself. It has caused anxiety and great emotional distress. I feel if he had not been caught, he definitely would have attempted this with some other innocent and naive person who doesn’t know any better.” The victim also stated, “He clearly had no regard for my age, or level of comfort. It will most likely be a very long while, if ever, before I gain complete closure, but knowing that this man will not be able to do this to anybody else will greatly help to give me peace of mind.”

On October 9, 2018, in an unrelated state case, Rogers pleaded guilty, in the Circuit Court of Boone County, Missouri, to the felony offense of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor in violation of Section 573.023, RSMo; after which, Rogers was sentenced to eight years of imprisonment. The execution of that sentence was suspended. Rogers was placed on five years of probation. Due to this state conviction, Rogers was required to register as a sex offender under federal law and the laws of the state of Missouri.

The above sex trafficking of a child case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jillian Anderson is handling the case.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmo/pr/judge-sentences-chesterfield-man-sex-trafficking

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Western District of Pennsylvania

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, June 29, 2021

Brownsville, PA Man Gets Lengthy Sentence for Producing and Possessing Sexually Exploitive Visuals of Minors

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Washington County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 28 years’ incarceration, consecutive to any state court sentence, and lifetime supervised release on his conviction of Production of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and Possession of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Sean Houston, age 48, of Brownsville, Pennsylvania. As part of his sentence, the Court ordered Houston to pay $13,709.60 in restitution and a $15,000 special assessment under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015 (JVTA).

According to information presented to the court, on May 20, 2016 and from July 22, 2017 through October 2018, Houston produced and attempted to produce visual depictions of the sexual exploitation of a minor. Additionally, on October 29, 2018, Houston knowingly possessed visual depictions of the sexual exploitation of minors.

Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Kaufman commended the Homeland Security Investigations, the Centerville Police Department, the North Strabane Police Department, and the Washington County District Attorney’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Houston.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/brownsville-pa-man-gets-lengthy-sentence-producing-and-possessing-sexually-exploitive

Billings man sentenced to 14 years in prison for receiving child pornography in coercion and enticement of minors case

https://www.justice.gov/usao-mt/pr/billings-man-sentenced-14-years-prison-receiving-child-pornography-coercion-and

Wellington Man Sentenced to Nine Years for Transportation, Possession and Distribution of Child Pornography

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndoh/pr/wellington-man-sentenced-nine-years-transportation-possession-and-distribution-child

Rochester Man Indicted for Possession of Child Pornography

https://www.justice.gov/usao-nh/pr/rochester-man-indicted-possession-child-pornography

Arkansas Man Pleads Guilty To Soliciting And Paying For The Production Of A Video Depicting A 9-Year-Old Child Being Molested

https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/arkansas-man-pleads-guilty-soliciting-and-paying-production-video-depicting-9-year-old

Louisiana Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Enticement of a Minor Following Arrest in Marion County Human Trafficking Operation

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdms/pr/louisiana-man-pleads-guilty-attempted-enticement-minor-following-arrest-marion-county

Indiana Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Producing Child Pornography

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdwi/pr/indiana-man-sentenced-25-years-producing-child-pornography

Twenty-Year Sentence in GirlsDoPorn Sex Trafficking Conspiracy

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdca/pr/twenty-year-sentence-girlsdoporn-sex-trafficking-conspiracy

Former JPS Band Volunteer Pleads Guilty to Producing Child Pornography

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdms/pr/former-jps-band-volunteer-pleads-guilty-producing-child-pornography

Chemung County Man Pleads Guilty To Receiving Images Of Child Pornography

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/chemung-county-man-pleads-guilty-receiving-images-child-pornography

Baltimore Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of Child Pornography

https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/pr/baltimore-man-pleads-guilty-distribution-child-pornography

Jupiter Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Charges

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/jupiter-man-pleads-guilty-child-pornography-charges

Mescalero man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of a child

https://www.justice.gov/usao-nm/pr/mescalero-man-pleads-guilty-sexual-abuse-child

Suffolk County Man Convicted In Manhattan Federal Court Of Sex Trafficking Conspiracy

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/suffolk-county-man-convicted-manhattan-federal-court-sex-trafficking-conspiracy

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of Minnesota

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, June 29, 2021

Federal Jury Convicts Albert Lea Sex Offender for Online Child Sexual Exploitation

ST. PAUL, Minn. – A federal jury convicted an Albert Lea man on charges related to sextortion and child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk.

Following a six-day trial before Judge Wilhelmina M. Wright, Travis Kyle Mayer, 32, was convicted on two counts of production and attempted production of child pornography, one count of distribution of child pornography, one count of possession of child pornography, one count of receipt of child pornography, one count of coercion and enticement of a minor, one count of committing a felony offense involving a minor while required to register as a sex offender, and one count obstruction of justice.

According to the evidence presented at trial, in 2017, Mayer downloaded and received child pornography from a Russian-based child pornography distribution website. In 2018, Mayer sexually exploited a 15-year-old girl, through persuasion and coercion, into producing child pornography, which he then possessed and distributed. This entire time, Mayer was required to register as a sex offender. Between June 20, 2019, and October 11, 2019, Mayer attempted to obstruct the administration of justice by requesting a witness to testify falsely regarding the child sexual exploitation investigation.

Mayer faces up to life in prison. At sentencing, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing date has yet to be scheduled.

This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the Albert Lea Police Department.

This case was tried by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander D. Chiquoine and Joseph H. Thompson.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-mn/pr/federal-jury-convicts-albert-lea-sex-offender-online-child-sexual-exploitation

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Eastern District of Louisiana

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, June 29, 2021

Marrero Man Sentenced to 130 Months Imprisonment After Second Conviction for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that BRADLEY EDWARD CORLEY, age 46, a resident of Marrero, Louisiana, was sentenced to 130 months imprisonment by United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey after previously pleading guilty to Count Two of a two-count Indictment charging him with possession of images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children, including children as young as approximately four (4) years old, in violation of 18 U.S.C. 2252(a)(4)(B). Additionally, Judge Zainey imposed on CORLEY supervised release for the remainder of his life and a $100 special assessment fee. Judge Zainey also scheduled a restitution hearing in the matter on August 16, 2021. In 2006, CORLEY was convicted in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana of possession of child pornography.

According to court documents, in about September 2019, Special Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) received a tip that an individual, subsequently determined to be CORLEY, had uploaded approximately seven (7) images depicting the sexual exploitation of children to a digital application and distribution platform designed for video gaming communities. Agents executed a search warrant at CORLEY’s residence in March 2020 and seized several electronic devices that contained files depicting the sexual victimization of children. A forensic examination of several of the devices confirmed that CORLEY had used them to search for, download, and save at least 60,000 images and 1,5000 videos depicting the sexual victimization of children, including by visiting a web forum on June 16, 2019, August 4, 2019, and March 9, 2020. The filed depicted children as young as approximately four (4) years old engaging in sexually explicit conduct, including numerous images and videos that portrayed “sadistic or masochistic conduct or other depictions of violence.”

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter, with support from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg is in charge of the prosecution.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/pr/marrero-man-sentenced-130-months-imprisonment-after-second-conviction-possession-child

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of Idaho

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, June 29, 2021

Caldwell Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a Child

BOISE – Conrad Hull, 30, of Caldwell, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of a child, Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. announced today. Hull was indicted by a Boise federal grand jury on November 10, 2020.

According to court records, in October 2020, the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force received a Cybertip from Kik Messenger. According to the Cybertip, child pornography had been uploaded to a Kik account that was later identified as belonging to Hull.

A state magistrate judge issued a search warrant for Hull’s residence in Caldwell. Law enforcement executed the search warrant and seized a cellphone belonging to Hull. A forensic examination of the cellphone revealed several files of child pornography, including files depicting a 5-year-old child and a 7-year-old child that Hull admitted producing. Hull told law enforcement that he used his cellphone to take explicit images of the two children so that he would have more files to trade on Kik. Hull admitted to distributing the images of the two children to obtain additional files of child pornography.

Hull is scheduled to be sentenced on September 16 and faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. As part of his plea agreement, Hull agreed to forfeit the cellphone he used in the commission of the offense.

Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez credited the cooperative efforts of the Idaho ICAC Task Force, Caldwell Police Department, and the Canyon County Prosecutor’s Office, which led to charges.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-id/pr/caldwell-man-pleads-guilty-sexual-exploitation-child

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Western District of New York

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, June 29, 2021

Cheektowaga Man Pleads Guilty To Possession Of Child Pornography

CONTACT: Barbara Burns

PHONE: (716) 843-5817

FAX #: (716) 551-3051

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that James Neyerlin, 36, of Cheektowaga, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra to possession of child pornography. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell T. Ippolito, Jr., who is handling the case, stated that on August 2, 2019, a search warrant was executed at the defendant’s home and several electronic devices were seized. A review of the devices recovered approximately 7,284 images of child pornography, including images of prepubescent minors under the age of 12 engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Neyerlin used the peer-to-peer application BitTorrent to acquire and share videos of child pornography.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia; the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Stauffiger; and the Town of Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Sliwinski.

Sentencing is scheduled for October 28, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. before Judge Sinatra.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/cheektowaga-man-pleads-guilty-possession-child-pornography-0

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Western District of Texas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, June 29, 2021

Long Haul Truck Driver Convicted of Transporting Children to Engage in Sexual Activity

EL PASO – A federal jury convicted 59-year-old Travis Wayne Vavra of transporting a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity and of possession of child pornography.

Evidence presented during trial revealed that Vavra was a long-haul truck driver who advertised free amusement park passes and cross-country trips for boys to explore the United States. As a result of the advertisement, Vavra transported a minor in his tractor trailer from the El Paso, Texas area to different states, including New Mexico, Missouri, Arizona, California, Wisconsin, Illinois, Nebraska, Maryland, Oklahoma, and Louisiana from May 2015 to June 2019. Vavra sexually assaulted the minor during these cross-country trips which began when the victim was nine years old. Vavra had also previously molested two other victims. On the date of his arrest, Vavra posted another flyer for parents and boys advertising these free cross-country trips. Vavra was found to be in possession of child sexual abuse material on his phone at the time of his arrest.

Vavra remains in federal custody. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years up to life in federal prison on the transportation of minors charge and up to 20 years in federal prison for the possession of child pornography. A sentencing date has yet to be scheduled.

U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff and FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Coburn made today’s announcement.

The FBI investigated and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Valenzuela and Richard Watts are prosecuting this case.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtx/pr/long-haul-truck-driver-convicted-transporting-children-engage-sexual-activity

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Southern District of Texas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, June 29, 2021

Gang members charged with trafficking young girls for sex

HOUSTON – Four Houston-area gang members are in custody following the return of a federal indictment on allegations of human trafficking, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Clarence Chambers aka Chris, 29, is expected to appear today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter Bray at 2 p.m. Also charged are Javon Opoku aka Glizzy, 20, Damarquis McGee aka Lil Blue, 23, and Andres Portillo aka Andro, 20. Portillo is set for an initial appearance on July 1 at 2 p.m., while McGee and Opoku are set for their initial appearances on July 6 at 10 a.m.

The defendants are charged with trafficking young runaway girls on what it known as the “Blade” or the Bissonnet Track. This is an area near Southwest 59 Freeway and Bissonnet Street in Houston where traffickers commonly place their victims, according to the charges.

According to the indictment, the defendants worked to recruit underage teenage girls and forced them to engage in sex acts for money in cars and hotels around the Blade. They allegedly passed around or reassigned victims amongst one another, taught each other “the pimp game” and required the young girls to walk the Blade and sell their bodies. They also kept the proceeds, according to the charges.

The indictment further alleges if any of the girls wanted to switch between pimps, they would have to pay an exit fee or get “beat out” to do so.

Some of the defendants also allegedly required daily quotas each night from their victims. If the victims failed to meet their daily quotas, they were severely punished through beatings and humiliation, according to the indictment.

If convicted, Chambers and the others face a minimum of 15 years and up to life in federal prison.

The Houston Police Department initiated the investigation and later partnered with Homeland Security Investigations and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office as part of the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance (HTRA). Established in 2004, the U.S. Attorney’s office in Houston formed HTRA to combine resources with federal, state and local enforcement agencies and prosecutors, as well as non-governmental service organizations to target human traffickers while providing necessary services to those that the traffickers victimized. Since its inception, HTRA has been recognized as both a national and international model in identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking and prosecuting those engaged in trafficking offenses.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard Bennett and Kate Suh are prosecuting the case.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/gang-members-charged-trafficking-young-girls-sex

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Northern District of Florida

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Tallahassee Man Convicted of Enticing Minor to Engage in Prostitution

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – This afternoon a federal jury in Tallahassee convicted Michael Jarcord, 52, of Tallahassee, on the sole count of coercing or enticing a minor to engage in prostitution. The conviction, which followed a two-day trial that began on Monday, was announced by Jason R. Coody, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

“Today’s verdict affirms our commitment to the protection of our most vulnerable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Coody. “Through concerted efforts like Operation Stolen Innocence, we will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who prey upon our children.”

“Operation Stolen Innocence was part of the Tallahassee Police Department’s collective commitment to dismantle sexual exploitation in our community,” said Chief Lawrence Revell. “We are pleased to see another offender found guilty of their crimes against those most vulnerable in our community. The continuous arrests resulting from this operation are a true testament to the diligent work of our investigators and every agency we have worked with in this mission.”

“This guilty verdict is another success of the strong law enforcement partnership between HSI and the Tallahassee Police Department with Operation Stolen Innocence,” said HSI Tampa Assistant Special Agent in Charge Micah McCombs.

Jarcord’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 14, 2021, at 1:00 pm, at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before the Honorable Mark Walker. Jarcord faces a mandatory minimum term of ten years imprisonment to Life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a maximum term of Life on supervised release.

This conviction was the result of a collaborative investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations as part of Operation Stolen Innocence, a multi-agency coordinated effort by the United States Marshals Service, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, and the Office of State Attorney, Second Judicial Circuit, to combat human trafficking in the Tallahassee area. Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Spaven prosecuted this case.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl/pr/tallahassee-man-convicted-enticing-minor-engage-prostitution-0

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Western District of Virginia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Lebanon, Virginia Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Child Pornography

ABINGDON, Va. – A Lebanon, Virginia man pleaded guilty today to using the online messaging application KIK to distribute images of child pornography to undercover law enforcement officers.

According to court documents, Matthew Thompson, 40, used KIK, an application where individuals create usernames and can send messages online, to communicate with others he believed to be interested in trading images of child pornography.

In June 2020, undercover law enforcement officers located in Wisconsin identified Thompson’s KIK username, “gbrown20201,” as being responsible for distributing child pornography by posting such materials onto a KIK chatroom messaging board frequented by individuals interested in child pornography images.

In July 2020, law enforcement officials in Texas identified the “gbrown20201” username as being an active member of two known child pornography chatgroups and serving as an administrator for one of the groups. The Texas investigation revealed that Thompson distributed at least nine images of child pornography between the dates of July 24, 2020, and July 31, 2020, and received additional child pornography materials.

Thompson pleaded guilty to one count of knowingly distributing one or more visual depictions of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct that has been mailed or transported in interstate or foreign commerce. He is scheduled to be sentenced on September 29, 2021 and faces an agreed upon sentence of between 60 to 72 months in prison.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Virginia State Police, and Russell County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lena Busscher is prosecuting the case.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdva/pr/lebanon-virginia-man-pleads-guilty-distributing-child-pornography

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Eastern District of Pennsylvania

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Philadelphia Man Admits Years-Long Sexual Abuse of Eight-Year-Old Victim, Including Manufacturing Pornography

PHILADELPHIA – Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Herbert Smith, 33, of Philadelphia, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to seven counts of manufacturing child pornography. Smith was indicted as a result of his extended sexual abuse for more than two years of a child who was just eight years old when Smith began molesting her.

The defendant’s sexual abuse of this child victim came to light when Philadelphia Police served an arrest warrant for Smith for his sexual assault of a different nine-year-old victim. When Police arrested the defendant, officers discovered him lying in bed with that victim. Police seized Smith’s electronic equipment, and the subsequent forensic analysis by the Federal Bureau of Investigation revealed hundreds of images of Smith’s horrific sexual assaults against an eight-year-old child, including rape and other sexual abuse of the child after she was given medication to make her sleep. Smith recorded his abuse of the child victim, saved the images and videos on his electronic equipment, and in some cases, uploaded the images to his online storage account.

Smith was taken into custody by Philadelphia Police in August 2019. He has been detained in federal custody since he was indicted federally in September 2019. As a result of his conviction on seven counts of manufacturing child pornography, he faces up to 210 years in prison, which includes a mandatory minimum 15 years, five years up to a lifetime of supervised release, a fine of up to $1,750,000, and special assessments of up to $35,700. Smith must also register as a convicted child sex offender under state law.

“Smith is a predator of young children and has been for years,” said Acting Assistant U.S. Attorney Williams. “With this conviction, and Smith now facing up to 210 years in prison, his victimization of our most vulnerable citizens has finally come to an end. Thank you to all of our agency partners who remain determined to identify, prosecute and convict child predators like this defendant.”

“Herbert Smith admits inflicting repeated horrific sexual assaults on a little girl, and recording the abuse so he could savor it whenever he wanted,” said Michael J. Driscoll, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “His actions are unconscionable and the harm he’s done, immeasurable. It’s cases like this that drive the FBI and our partners, as we work to protect our community’s children from depraved predators like Smith.”

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Philadelphia Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Rotella.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edpa/pr/philadelphia-man-admits-years-long-sexual-abuse-eight-year-old-victim-including

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of Nevada

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Las Vegas Man Pleads Guilty To Distributing Hundreds Of Child Pornography Images And Videos Via Instant Messaging App

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas man pleaded guilty today to trading over 600 child pornography images and videos using Kik Messenger, an instant messaging application on mobile devices.

According to court documents and admissions made in court, Cyrus Orlando Ortega, 27, distributed those child pornography images and videos to other Kik Messenger users, in exchange for child pornography from those users. The images and videos depicted underage victims — some as young as toddlers — being sexually exploited.

Ortega pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography. He faces a mandatory minimum statutory penalty of five years in prison, and a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey scheduled sentencing for October 4, 2021.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Supriya Prasad is prosecuting the case.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-nv/pr/las-vegas-man-pleads-guilty-distributing-hundreds-child-pornography-images-and-videos

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of New Jersey

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Somerset County Man Sentenced to 108 Months in Prison for Traveling to Foreign Country to Engage in Criminal Sexual Conduct

NEWARK, N.J. – A Somerset County, New Jersey, man has been sentenced to 108 months in prison for traveling to the Philippines to engage in sex with a minor, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

James A. Diggs, 45, of Somerville, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty by videoconference before Chief U.S. District Judge Freda L. Wolfson to an information charging him with foreign travel to engage in criminal sexual activity.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

In October 2018, Diggs traveled to the Philippines to meet and engage in sexual activity with Minor Victim-1 in exchange for money and gifts, knowing the victim was a minor.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Wolfson sentenced Diggs to five years of supervised release and ordered him to register as a sex offender.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Newark Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. He also thanked agents of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, John F. Kennedy International Airport, for their assistance.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Astorga of the Opioid Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/somerset-county-man-sentenced-108-months-prison-traveling-foreign-country-engage-criminal

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Western District of Wisconsin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Grand Jury Returns Indictments

MADISON, WIS. – A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin, sitting in Madison, returned the following indictments today. You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

La Crosse Man Charged with Producing Child Pornography

Thomas J. Hook, 42, La Crosse, Wisconsin, is charged with 6 counts of producing child pornography. The indictment alleges that on six occasions in March and July 2020, Hook used a cellular phone to produce a video of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

If convicted, Hook faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in federal prison on each count. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the La Crosse Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Coulee Region Children’s Internet Protection Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman is handling the prosecution.

Illinois Man Charged with Child Pornography Crimes

John Woodward, 32, Oregon, Illinois, is charged with two counts of knowingly accessing a file containing a visual depiction of child pornography. The indictment alleges that he accessed the files on June 27 and August 10, 2020, and that the visual depictions involved a minor who had not attained 12 years of age.

If convicted, Woodward faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison on each count. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman is handling the investigation.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdwi/pr/grand-jury-returns-indictments-112

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of Connecticut

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

New Haven Man Charged with Production of Child Pornography

Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment yesterday charging EDWARD WALKER, 48, of New Haven, with two counts of production of child pornography.

According to indictment, in June and July 2019, Walker knowingly employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing two videos of that conduct.

Walker is currently in federal custody awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges in the Southern District of Florida.

If convicted of the new charges in the District of Connecticut, Walker faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, on each count.

Acting U.S. Attorney Boyle stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Angel M. Krull.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ct/pr/new-haven-man-charged-production-child-pornography

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Southern District of New York

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Manhattan Man Sentenced To More Than 27 Years In Prison For Sex Trafficking

Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that WILLIAM BAZEMORE, a/k/a “Yaya,” a/k/a “Nudie,” a/k/a “Jack,” was sentenced to 327 months in prison for sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion. BAZEMORE previously pled guilty to that offense, and was sentenced today before U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres.

U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “William Bazemore used violence and coercion to prey on female victims suffering from drug addiction, and he forced a woman to engage in commercial sex for his own financial gain. His predatory conduct had an irreparable impact on the lives of his victims. Today, William Bazemore was justly sentenced to more than 27 years in prison for his crimes.”

According to the Indictment, as well as statements made during BAZEMORE’s plea and sentencing proceedings:

In or about 2017, BAZEMORE was the leader of a criminal enterprise (the “Organization”) involved in various criminal acts, including drug distribution and sex trafficking, in and around New York City, Maine, and Connecticut. Members and associates of the Organization, including BAZEMORE and codefendant Warren Bryant, transported heroin and crack cocaine between New York, Connecticut, and Maine, at times using women suffering from drug addiction as drug couriers to secrete drugs on their persons and transport drugs and drug proceeds in vehicles controlled by the Organization, and to trade sex for access to drugs. In addition, BAZEMORE and other members and associates of the Organization used force, threats of force, and coercion to cause a female drug customer (“Victim-1”) to engage in commercial sex for their financial gain, and took actions to prevent Victim-1 and others from cooperating with law enforcement against the Organization.

* * *

In addition to today’s prison sentence, BAZEMORE, 41, of New York, New York, was sentenced to five years of supervised release.

Codefendant Warren Bryant was sentenced by Judge Torres on September 22, 2020, to 125 months in prison for participating in a racketeering conspiracy and a narcotics conspiracy related to the same scheme.

Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI-NYPD New York Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, and the Special Agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.

This case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Jacqueline Kelly and Danielle Sassoon are in charge of the prosecution.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/manhattan-man-sentenced-more-27-years-prison-sex-trafficking

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of New Jersey

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Hunterdon County Man Admits Receipt and Possession of Child Pornography

TRENTON, N.J. – A Hunterdon County, New Jersey, man today admitted receiving and possessing images of child sexual abuse, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Daniel Murphy, 48, of Lebanon, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Peter G. Sheridan in Trenton federal court to an information charging him with one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

From November 2018 through April 2019, Murphy accessed a peer-to-peer website and downloaded images and videos of minors being sexually abused.

The charge of receipt of child pornography carries a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of child pornography carries a maximum sentence of 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2021.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr., with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah A. Sulkowski of the Cybercrime Unit in Newark.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/hunterdon-county-man-admits-receipt-and-possession-child-pornography

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Northern District of Illinois

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Chicago Man Sentenced to More Than 15 Years in Prison for Sharing Child Pornography

CHICAGO — A Chicago man has been sentenced to more than 15 years in federal prison for sharing child pornography in an online chat room.

BENNY L. BUTLER, 36, possessed more than 2,800 videos and more than 7,600 images of child pornography on multiple electronic devices. Butler in 2017 shared several videos and images with users of Chatstep, an anonymous online chat room service.

Butler pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of transportation of child pornography. U.S. District Judge Andrea R. Wood on Tuesday sentenced Butler to 15 years and eight months in federal prison, to be followed by 20 years of court-supervised release. Judge Wood also ordered Butler to pay $47,000 in restitution to the known victims depicted in the child pornography he shared.

The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Angie Salazar, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of Homeland Security Investigations. The U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service provided valuable assistance.

“It is impossible to overstate the seriousness of defendant’s conduct and the need for just punishment,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley A. Chung argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “Defendant not only possessed a staggering amount of child pornography, but also distributed, downloaded, and traded child pornography with others online.”

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndil/pr/chicago-man-sentenced-more-15-years-sharing-child-pornography

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Eastern District of Missouri

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Judge sentences man studying abroad from China for possessing child pornography

ST. LOUIS – United States District Court Judge Stephen R. Clark sentenced Zetian Liu to 60 months in prison today. In March of this year, the 25-year-old St. Louis, Missouri resident pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography.

On August 11, 2019, a detective with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department’s City Cyber Crimes Unit identified a specific IP address from a computer being used to extend an offer to participate in the distribution of child pornography through the use of a file sharing network. An investigation ensued which led to the discovery of computer files containing numerous depictions of child pornography and the arrest of Liu.

The investigation developed in the following manner: officers were able to determine that the IP address was connected to Liu’s residence in St. Louis. On September 12, 2019, officers executed a federal search warrant at this residence. Liu, a Chinese citizen, who was attending school here, was interviewed with the help of an interpreter. Liu told investigators that although he initially downloaded child pornography inadvertently, he later began to download it intentionally. He told investigators the child pornography could be found on his laptop and a flash drive. Officers were able to download files from the laptop and flash drive containing numerous videos and pictures depicting child pornography.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Rob Livergood is handling the case.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmo/pr/judge-sentences-man-studying-abroad-china-possessing-child-pornography

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Western District of Missouri

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Taney County Woman Pleads Guilty to Sexually Assaulting Children, Child Pornography

Faces At Least 15 Years in Prison

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Merriam Village, Missouri, woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to sexually assaulting two children to produce child pornography, and to receiving and distributing child pornography.

Tara Sau Millman, 41, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to one count of the sexual exploitation of minors and one count of receiving and distributing child pornography. Millman has been in federal custody since her arrest and remains detained without bail.

By pleading guilty today, Millman admitted that a co-defendant used her iPhone to record video of her performing a sexual act on a 2-year-old child, identified in court documents as John Doe. Investigators also found images and videos of child pornography on Millman’s iPhone, including files that depicted Millman and her co-defendant sexually assaulting John Doe and a 4-year-old child victim, identified in court documents as Jane Doe.

Millman also admitted that she used a social media application to share child pornography over the internet, and that she and her co-defendant viewed child pornography together.

The investigation began when agents with Homeland Security Investigations in San Diego, California, began investigating users of a cloud storage platform (identified in court documents as “Cloud Platform A”). The cloud platform provides encrypted, cloud-based services that enable private, secure online storage, communication, and collaboration for business and individuals. During the investigation, the agents accessed a weblink to an encrypted chat room with approximately 145 registered users. Files containing child pornography were uploaded/posted by participants in the chat room. A search warrant was executed at Millman’s residence in Taney County, Mo., on Jan. 28, 2021.

Under federal statutes, Millman is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of 50 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled upon the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmo/pr/taney-county-woman-pleads-guilty-sexually-assaulting-children-child-pornography

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of Connecticut

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Bridgeport Man Charged with Child Exploitation Offenses

Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that MICHAEL NASTU, 62, of Bridgeport, was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint charging him with multiple child exploitation offenses.

Following his arrest, Nastu appeared via videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti and is currently detained.

As alleged in the complaint, in March 2021, Nastu, using the Kik social media application, initiated a chat with an FBI Online Covert Employee who was posing as a 14-year-old female from Connecticut. Between March 31 and June 25, 2021, Nastu sent the OCE sexually explicit messages and several pictures and videos of male genitalia, and he attempted to entice the OCE to send him child pornography in return. Nastu and the OCE had multiple text exchanges about meeting in person to engage in sexually activity, but Nastu ultimately decided not to meet the OCE due to the risk of being caught.

The complaint charges Nastu with attempted transfer of obscene materials to a minor, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years; attempted receipt of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; and attempted enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

Acting U.S. Attorney Boyle stressed that a criminal complaint is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nancy V. Gifford and Amanda S. Oakes.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ct/pr/bridgeport-man-charged-child-exploitation-offenses-0

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Northern District of Iowa

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Belle Plaine Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison for Accessing Child Pornography

A man who accessed child pornography was sentenced on June 29, 2021, to ten years in federal prison.

Jared Daily, age 35, of Belle Plaine, Iowa, received the sentence after a January 11, 2021 guilty plea to one count of accessing child pornography. At the plea hearing, Daily admitted that, between January and June 2020, he used a cell phone to access child pornography, including depictions of prepubescent children.

Daily was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Daily was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment. He was also ordered to make $5,000 in restitution to a victim depicted in child pornography he accessed. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term, and he must comply with all sex offender registration and public notification requirements.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.

Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is CR 20-73.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndia/pr/belle-plaine-man-sentenced-ten-years-federal-prison-accessing-child-pornography

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Southern District of Mississippi

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

McHenry Man Sentenced to Over Eleven Years in Prison for Transporting Child Pornography

Gulfport, Miss. – Dexter Kimsey, 26, of McHenry, was sentenced today to 141 months in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for transporting images of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Jack P. Staton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in New Orleans.

Kimsey was also ordered to pay restitution to victims in the amount of $14,000 and an assessment of $5,000 under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act.

In June, 2019, HSI Gulfport and the Stone County Sheriff’s Office executed a state search warrant at a McHenry residence where electronic devices belonging to Dexter Kimsey were recovered. Kimsey’s on-line account and cell phone were found to contain still and video format child exploitation visual depictions.

Kimsey was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 23, 2020. He pled guilty on March 31, 2021 to transporting images of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Stone County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdms/pr/mchenry-man-sentenced-over-eleven-years-prison-transporting-child-pornography

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2021/jun/30/donald-trump-i-built-the-wall-biden-built-a-humani/

The President: The story of Poland is the story

of a people who have never lost hope, who have never

been broken, and who have never, ever forgotten

who they are.

And so, I am here today, not just to visit an old ally,

but to hold it up as an example for others

who seek freedom and who wish to summon the courage

and the will to defend our civilization.

Americans, Poles, and nations of Europe

value individual freedom and sovereignty.

We must work together to confront forces,

whether they come from inside or out, from the South or the East,

that threaten over time to undermine these values

and to erase the bonds of culture, faith,

and tradition that make us who we are.

What we've inherited from our ancestors

has never existed to this extent before.

And, if we fail to preserve it, it will never ever exist again.

So, we cannot fail.

The fundamental question of our time is,

"Whether the West has the will to survive."

Do we have the confidence in our values to defend them

at any cost?

Do we have enough respect for our citizens

to protect our borders?

Do we have the desire and the courage to preserve

our civilization in the face of those who would

subvert and destroy it?

Just as Poland could not be broken, I declare today

for the world to hear that the West will never

ever be broken.

Our values will prevail, our people will thrive,

and our civilization will triumph.

So, together, let us all fight like the Poles.

For family, for freedom, for country, and for God.

Thank you, God bless you, God bless the Polish

people, God bless our allies, and God bless

the United States of America.

Thank you, God bless you.

Take Down CCP

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of Rhode Island

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 1, 2021

Woonsocket Man Sentenced for Possessing 50,000 Images of Child Pornography

PROVIDENCE – A Woonsocket man found by members of the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force to be in possession of more than 50,000 images and 200 videos of child pornography was sentenced today to three-and-a-half years in federal prison.

In November 2018, members of the ICAC Task Force conducted an online child exploitation investigation involving the use of peer-to-peer networks. Detectives observed an IP address they later determined belonged to Jason P. Muschiano, 39, sharing files of child pornography.

On February 14, 2019, members of the task force executed a court-authorized search of Muschiano’s residence. During the search, Muschiano admitted to law enforcement that he had previously downloaded and viewed child pornography depicting toddlers ages three, four, and five. A forensic audit of digital storage devices seized from Muschiano’s residence revealed more than 50,000 images and 200 videos depicting child pornography.

On February 21, 2020, Muschiano pled guilty in U.S. District Court to possession of child pornography. He was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy to 42 months in federal prison to be followed by five years of federal supervised release.

Muschiano’s sentence is announced by Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus.

This Project Safe Childhood case, investigated by members of the ICAC Task Force, was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dulce Donovan.

The Rhode Island ICAC Task Force is comprised of members of the Rhode Island State Police Computer Crimes Unit, detectives from the Warwick, Cranston, Newport, East Providence, Pawtucket, Bristol, and Portsmouth Police Departments, and agents from Homeland Security Investigations.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ri/pr/woonsocket-man-sentenced-possessing-50000-images-child-pornography

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Eastern District of Louisiana

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 1, 2021

Harahan Man Pleads Guilty to Receipt of Child Pornography

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CHARLES A. LOPEZ (“LOPEZ”), age 28, of Harahan, Louisiana, pled guilty on June 30, 2021 to receipt of child pornography in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(2) and (b)(1).

The case against LOPEZ developed as a result of an undercover child exploitation investigation conducted by special agents with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”). On April 30, 2019, HSI agents and special agents with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation executed a federal search warrant at LOPEZ’s Harahan home and determined LOPEZ received images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of minors.

LOPEZ faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five (5) years imprisonment up to twenty (20) years, followed by up to a life term of supervised release, a $250,000.00 fine, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee. Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for September 29, 2021, before United States District Judge Ivan L. R. Lemelle.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Chief of Financial Crimes Unit, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/pr/harahan-man-pleads-guilty-receipt-child-pornography

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Middle District of Florida

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 1, 2021

Lakeland Man Sentenced To More Than 9 Years In Federal Prison For Downloading And Possessing Child Sex Abuse Videos From The Darkweb

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell has sentenced Jack R. Dove, III (40, Lakeland) to nine years and two months in federal prison for receiving and possessing videos and other images depicting the sexual abuse of children. The court also ordered Dove to pay $13,000 in restitution to victims of the offenses and to forfeit electronic devices used in the commission of the offenses.

Dove had pleaded guilty on March 29, 2021.

According to court documents, Dove used bitcoin to pay for membership to a particular Darknet marketplace that contained more than 100,000 videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children, the largest volume of child sexual exploitation materials on the Darknet. In March 2018, the Korean National Police Agency in South Korea seized the computer server that was used to operate the website.

This particular Darknet marketplace exclusively advertised child sexual exploitation videos available for purchase and downloading by members of the website using bitcoin. An analysis of the server revealed that Dove had created multiple accounts. In January and February 2017, Dove used one of his accounts to purchase “points” from the website. Dove then used those “points” to download and received nearly 9 gigabytes of child sexual abuse materials. In August 2018, Dove used another account to pay for “VIP” membership to this website, granting him unlimited downloads from the website for a six-month period. During his VIP membership status, Dove downloaded and received 38 videos depicting children being sexually exploited and abused, including children under the age of 12.

On November 30, 2018, federal agents executed a search warrant at Dove’s residence and seized several electronic devices. Forensic analyses of those devices confirmed Dove had in fact received the child sex abuse videos he had previously purchased from the Darknet marketplace and, also, that he possessed additional materials depicting the sadistic sexual abuse of young children, including infants and toddlers.

“As crimes become more sophisticated and advanced technology is being used to sexually exploit young children, our HSI special agents, and all of law enforcement must stay ahead of the criminals,” said HSI Tampa acting Special Agent in Charge Kevin Sibley. “This case is an example of a child predator who thought he could hide behind the Darknet and international borders, but was instead caught and will now be held accountable for his crimes against children.”

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. The original international investigation was led by the IRS-Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the National Crime Agency in the United Kingdom, and the Korean National Police of the Republic of Korea. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lisa M. Thelwell and Ilyssa Spergel, with assistance provided by U.S. Department of Justice Trial Attorney C. Alden Pelker of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/lakeland-man-sentenced-more-9-years-federal-prison-downloading-and-possessing-child-sex

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Middle District of Florida

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 1, 2021

Federal Jury Convicts Local High School Janitor Of Secretly Filming Students In Bathroom Stall

Orlando, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Karin Hoppmann announces that a federal jury has found Derremy Jerrell Walker (31, Sanford) guilty of two counts of using, or attempting to use, children to produce sexually explicit videos. Walker’s sentencing hearing has been set for September 21, 2021.

According to evidence and testimony admitted during the trial, Walker was a contracted janitor at Oviedo High School in November 2019, when two 15-year-old female students discovered an actively recording cellphone hidden under the sink inside a toilet stall in a student bathroom. The girls took the phone to school administrators, who then contacted the Oviedo Police Department.

Forensic analysis of the cellphone revealed Walker had placed the phone in the same location on two prior dates in November 2019, each time creating a one-hour video of students in that stall. On the date the girls found the phone, it had been recording video for about 15 minutes before they discovered it. In each of the three instances, Walker had angled the cellphone’s camera in an effort to capture the genitalia and pubic areas of those in the stall. School administration officials and law enforcement officers were able to identify six of the ten students unknowingly captured in the videos Walker created.

Further analysis revealed Walker had also set up a surreptitious cellphone camera to record in the school’s faculty bathroom earlier that month.

This case was investigated by the Oviedo Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn P. Napier.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/federal-jury-convicts-local-high-school-janitor-secretly-filming-students-bathroom

https://www.justice.gov/usao-mt/pr/informational-federal-court-arraignments-132

Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on June 29 was:

William Daly Harrington, 42, of Helena, on charges of distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography. If convicted of the most serious crime, Harrington faces a mandatory minimum five years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Harrington was released pending further proceedings. The FBI, Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations and Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-05.

The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html.

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Middle District of North Carolina

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 1, 2021

Guilford County Man Sentenced for Distribution of Child Pornography

GREENSBORO – A North Carolina man was sentenced on July 1, 2021, to 188 months in prison for distribution of child pornography.

Christian Dean Hall, 35, was indicted in October, 2020, on one count of distribution and attempted distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of images containing child pornography. He later pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography on December 17, 2020.

According to court documents, in April, 2020, an online covert employee (OCE) encountered Hall after graphic messages were sent in a group chat on the app Kik. After engaging directly with Hall, the OCE asked Hall if he had any child pornography in his collection. In response, Hall sent multiple videos to the OCE containing child pornography. Investigators obtained Hall’s name, email, and address and discovered that he was a Visual Arts teacher at Gate City Charter Academy in Greensboro. Upon execution of a search warrant at Hall’s residence in Greensboro, agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigations discovered hundreds of photos and videos containing child pornography on multiple accounts and devices. After initially denying that he was part of the conversation with the OCE, Hall later admitted sharing graphic content involving minors despite knowing that it was illegal to do so.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Greensboro Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kennedy Gates and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole R. Dupre.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdnc/pr/guilford-county-man-sentenced-distribution-child-pornography

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Southern District of West Virginia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 1, 2021

Boone County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Child Pornography Crime

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Boone County man pleaded guilty today to a federal child pornography crime.

According to court documents, Gregory Weymes, 58, of Ridgeview, admitted that on February 23, 2021 he possessed child pornography on his cell phone. After receiving a cybertip through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, law enforcement investigators obtained a search warrant for Weymes’ residence. While executing the search warrant, investigators seized the cell phone from Weymes. In an interview, Weymes admitted that he used various social media platforms, including MeWe, to view and trade child pornography and that investigators would find child pornography on his phone. A forensic review of Weymes’ cell phone uncovered numerous videos depicting child pornography on the device.

Weymes pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography and faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on October 14, 2021. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Kristin F. Scott is handling the prosecution.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:21-cr-00080.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdwv/pr/boone-county-man-pleads-guilty-federal-child-pornography-crime

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Central District of California

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 1, 2021

South Bay Man Arrested on Federal Child Pornography Charges Alleging He Paid Impoverished Filipino Boys to Film Sex Acts

LOS ANGELES – Federal authorities have arrested a Redondo Beach man on charges of producing child pornography, allegedly by developing a relationship with at least one boy in the Philippines who performed sex acts online in exchange for money.

Billy Frederick, 51, was arrested Wednesday morning without incident by special agents with Homeland Security Investigations. During his initial court appearance late Wednesday afternoon, a United States magistrate judge ordered Frederick jailed without bond pending trial. The criminal complaint naming Frederick was unsealed this afternoon.

According to the complaint filed on June 22, Frederick stored in his Google accounts various images and videos depicting child pornography, at least some of which he obtained from video calls on Google Hangout. The affidavit in support of the complaint details one video from July 2020 in which a boy, who appears to be between 11 and 14 years old, engages in sexual activity while Frederick records the video call. In messages sent relating to the video call, the victim calls Frederick “master.”

The investigation also uncovered chats between Frederick and the victim prior to the video call in which the boy asks to borrow money to purchase underwear. Immediately after the call, Frederick chatted online with the boy, who asked for money to be sent to his brother.

The affidavit outlines other online chats from 2020 between Frederick and a person claiming to be relative of the victim seen on the Google Hangout video. In one chat, after telling Frederick that the victim had broken his leg and required medical aid, the relative wrote, “we’re just poor so I agree to my [relative] for what his doing,” according to the affidavit.

During a search of one of Frederick’s online accounts, “I discovered many CSAM [child sexual abuse material] images of young nude male minors ranging from approximately 6 years of age to 15 years of age,” according to the affidavit by an HSI special agent. “Further, I discovered messages where Frederick would discuss the solicitation of CSAM of young boys, including enticement to engage in sexually explicit activity.”

A criminal complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Frederick is charged with production of child pornography for transportation into the United States, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum penalty of 30 years.

Frederick is scheduled to be arraigned in this case on July 22.

Homeland Security Investigations is investigating this matter.

Assistant United States Attorney Kathy Yu of the Violent and Organized Crime Section is prosecuting this case.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/pr/south-bay-man-arrested-federal-child-pornography-charges-alleging-he-paid-impoverished

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of New Mexico

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 1, 2021

Artesia man charged with illegal possession of firearms and child pornography

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Trevor Wright, 50, of Artesia, New Mexico, made an initial appearance in federal court today facing charges of possession of child pornography and being a drug addict in possession of firearms. Wright will remain in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for July 7.

According to a criminal complaint, on June 25, the FBI executed a search warrant on Wright’s residence in Artesia. Investigators allegedly found child pornography on one of Wright’s cellular telephones. They also located 15 firearms allegedly in Wright’s possession within the residence. As a drug addict, Wright cannot legally possess a firearm.

A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Wright faces up to 20 years in prison.

The FBI Albuquerque’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force investigated this case with assistance from the Artesia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jaymie L. Roybal and Sarah Mease are prosecuting this case.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-nm/pr/artesia-man-charged-illegal-possession-firearms-and-child-pornography

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Southern District of Florida

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 1, 2021

Martin County Resident Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation

Miami, Florida – Today, Nikolas Cook, 22, of Stuart, Florida, pled guilty in federal district court in Ft. Pierce to production, distribution, and possession of child pornography.

According to court documents, on September 10, 2020, Cook communicated with others in a social media group created for individuals interested in child sexual abuse material. While participating in the chat group, Cook produced and distributed multiple pornographic images of a three-year-old girl. An investigation led agents to Cook’s residence. Agents arrested Cook within 12 hours of learning of his activity in the chat group. During a search of Cook’s residence, agents located electronic devices containing multiple sexually explicit images and videos of minor children being sexually abused.

The court will set a date for Cook’s sentencing hearing. Cook faces a minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum possible sentence of 70 years. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Juan Antonio Gonzalez and Special Agent in Charge for FBI Miami George L. Piro announced the guilty plea.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Martin County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel E. Funk and Luisa Berti are prosecuting it.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about the Project Safe Childhood initiative and for information regarding Internet safety, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 21-cr-14007.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/martin-county-resident-pleads-guilty-child-exploitation

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of Alaska

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 1, 2021

Juneau Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting Children

JUNEAU – A Juneau man was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison followed by 35 years of supervised release for the sexual exploitation – receipt of child pornography. Also, he must pay $9,000 to the known victims.

According to information presented in court, Arthur Moe Martin, 51, became the subject of an investigation in December 2017 when the Anchorage Cyber Crimes Unit received a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). An online internet email provider contacted NCMEC with a tip regarding the download of an image involving a prepubescent female engaged in sexual conduct with an adult male. The email account was located in Juneau. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Juneau Police Department identified and contacted Martin as the owner of the email account. Martin admitted that he possessed electronic images of sexually exploited children and turned over his cell phones and computer to law enforcement where they found more than 200 images of very young children being sexually exploited. In 1995, Martin was convicted in Alaska state court for sexually abusing a minor.

“Sexual exploitation of children is especially abhorrent, and the harm caused to the child victims lasts for the rest of their lives,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Wilson, District of Alaska. “There is no place in society for these acts on children and our office will vigorously pursue all of those who perpetuate these crimes.”

“Now more than ever, our children need to be protected from online predators seeking to exploit their innocence,” said Robert Britt, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “It’s a top priority of ours at the FBI, and thanks to this dedicated investigation and prosecution team, there is now one less predator roaming our streets.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Juneau Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Schmidt prosecuted the case.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ak/pr/juneau-man-sentenced-15-years-prison-sexually-exploiting-children

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Northern District of Oklahoma

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 1, 2021

Tulsa Man Sentenced for Coercing a Minor to Engage in Prostitution

A Tulsa man was sentenced today in federal court for coercing a 16-year-old to engage in sexual acts as part of a sex trafficking ring, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

Dominique Laron Morgan, 25, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison followed by 25 years supervised release for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and for coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity.

In a blind plea, Morgan admitted that from April 10 through April 20, 2020, he used his phone and internet to knowingly entice the minor victim to engage in prostitution. He also admitted that he knowingly possessed a firearm to further his marijuana distribution activities.

Also charged in the sex trafficking case were Rontaysha Leann Cox, 27, of Wichita, Kansas, and Treveon Marquise Cato, 23, of Tulsa. In March, Cox pleaded guilty to the sex trafficking of children, and Cato pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

On April 17, 2020, officers with the Tulsa Police Department’s Human Trafficking Vice Unit discovered advertisements for the teenager on a website promoting prostitution and soliciting sex acts in exchange for money. An officer, acting as a john, contacted the victim using the phone number listed and arranged to meet her on April 20. During the appointment, the officer revealed his identity, and the minor victim was taken into protective custody.

Officers learned that Rontaysha Cox had rented the room, and that Cox and two other men left the hotel room in a silver sedan shortly before the scheduled appointment. Cox, Cato, and Morgan were later stopped and ordered out of the sedan. A semi-automatic pistol could be seen from outside of the vehicle wedged between the driver’s seat and center console. Officers subsequently arrested the three, and during a search of the vehicle and the occupants, officers recovered marijuana, phones and the firearm.

An analysis of the phones found conversations between Cox, Morgan and the victim discussing prostitution as well as photos of the victim that constituted child pornography. Also found, were conversations between Morgan and the victim where she told him she was 16 years old.

The Tulsa Police Department, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Snow is prosecuting the case.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndok/pr/tulsa-man-sentenced-coercing-minor-engage-prostitution

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Northern District of New York

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, July 2, 2021

Broome County Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Enticement and Coercion of a Minor

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Richard C. O’Hara, age 32, of Broome County pled guilty today to attempting to coerce and entice a minor to engage in sexual conduct with him. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Thomas F. Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

As part of his guilty plea, O’Hara admitted that in July and August 2020 he exchanged multiple sexually explicit messages online with an undercover officer posing a 10-year-old girl, in an attempt to entice the child into having sex with him. O’Hara also admitted that on August 5, 2020 he traveled to a house where he believed the child lived, intending to engage in sex acts with her that day.

O’Hara faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. Sentencing is scheduled for November 3, 2021 in Binghamton, New York before Senior United States District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. O’Hara also will have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndny/pr/broome-county-man-pleads-guilty-attempted-enticement-and-coercion-minor

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced today that the president has made the following nominations:

Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Christopher J. Mahoney for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general, and assignment as deputy commandant for programs and resources, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps. Mahoney is currently serving as commanding general, 3d Marine Aircraft Wing, San Diego, California.

Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Stephen D. Sklenka for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general, and assignment as deputy commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Sklenka is currently serving as the J-5, director for strategic planning and policy, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Oahu, Hawaii.

https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/Release/Article/2680915/general-officer-announcements/

PDF

Independent Review Commission (IRC) on Sexual Assault in the Military.

RESECURING SOUTHERN BORDER

(Mr. MEUSER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his re- marks.)

Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, in the 100 days Vice President Harris has been overseeing the border, an estimated 500,000 immigrants and thousands of pounds of drugs have flowed over the border into our country. Despite clear evidence of a worsening crisis, the Biden administration continued to dis- mantle effective policies.

When I visited the border, Border Pa- trol agents consistently expressed that eliminating the Remain in Mexico pol-icy has brought on this current crisis. Now, the Biden administration is con- sidering rescinding yet another suc- cessful policy, title 42, which allows CBP to expel adult migrants.

The data is clear. Human traffickers, drug smugglers, and criminals are ben- efiting from the Biden administration’s open border policies. More fentanyl has been seized this year than in all of 2020.

Deadly drugs like fentanyl are flow- ing across the border into our commu- nities, killing people in my district and all of our districts. Fentanyl was present in 75 percent of the overdose deaths in my home county of Luzerne County in the last year.

An open border is not some faraway problem. Consequences are rever- berating across America. We must send a strong message of enforcement and resecure our southern border.

DRUG OVERDOSE DEATHS

(Mr. GROTHMAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.)

Mr. GROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, re- cently, if you look at the CDC num- bers, we hit an all-time record in drug overdoses for a 12-month period at 90,000. That is up from 45,000 only 6 years ago.

There are two dangerous trends that are going the exact opposite way than you would think, if we care about the people who died and their families.

First of all, because of the antipolice hysteria out there, the number of po- lice are being reduced; and for that rea- son, at least in my area, they are no longer doing criminal investigations in some cities when there are drug overdoses.

Secondly, I think the major reason for the massive increase in deaths is the increase in fentanyl deaths— fentanyl being actually much more dangerous than heroin.

We now have this happening at a time when the Border Patrol is being pulled off the border to process unac- companied minors and we have the hor- rible situation of not even increasing the budget of the Border Patrol.

Mr. Speaker, if we care about the 90,000 people who die every year of drug overdoses, it is time to start caring a little bit more about the border and care a little bit more about the number of police we have in our country.

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Western District of Missouri

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, July 2, 2021

Buffalo Sex Offender Sentenced to 24 Years for Child Pornography

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Buffalo, Missouri, man who is a registered sex offender has been sentenced in federal court for receiving and distributing child pornography.

Eddie Feck, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark on Thursday, July 1, to 24 years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Feck to spend the rest of his life on supervised release following incarceration.

On Feb. 11, 2021, Feck pleaded guilty to receiving and distributing child pornography. Feck has a prior conviction for sodomizing an 11-year-old child (for which he served the entirety of his sentence because he refused to participate in sexual offender treatment), as well as an extensive criminal history.

The investigation began when a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper received a Cybertipline Report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children on Jan. 13, 2020. That report was generated after Feck uploaded five images of child pornography to BingImage.

Law enforcement officers identified Feck as the BingImage account holder and executed a search warrant at Feck’s residence on Feb. 11, 2020. Upon arrival, the investigators located Feck’s computer, which was in the process of downloading suspected child pornography from the internet. Investigators found approximately 35 images of child pornography on Feck’s digital storage devices.

Feck confessed that he employed a variety of programs to access and view child pornography.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmo/pr/buffalo-sex-offender-sentenced-24-years-child-pornography

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Western District of Missouri

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, July 2, 2021

Springfield Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Producing Child Pornography

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for sexually exploiting a minor to produce child pornography.

Anthony Thompson, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to 30 years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Thompson to spend 10 years on supervised release following incarceration.

On Oct. 19, 2020, Thompson pleaded guilty to one count of the sexual exploitation of a minor. Thompson admitted that he victimized a minor in to produce child pornography on July 1, 2018.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and the FBI.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmo/pr/springfield-man-sentenced-30-years-producing-child-pornography

07.01.2021

Grassley Statement On Arizona Ballot Harvesting Case; Open Invitation For Whistleblowers On Recently Filed Case Against Georgia

WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement regarding the decision issued by the Supreme Court today in Brnovich v. DNC. Grassley also issued an open invitation for whistleblowers in the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division concerned about politicization following the decision to file suit against the state of Georgia.

“Now that the Supreme Court reaffirmed that activists will have a steep hill to climb challenging common-sense election integrity measures under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, the Justice Department’s hail-Mary lawsuit in Georgia looks even more desperate. At this point the only purpose that lawsuit serves is political messaging, which is unbecoming of the Civil Rights Division and its dedicated career attorneys. My office welcomes any and all whistleblowers from the Justice Department who are dissatisfied with President Biden and Vanita Gupta’s politicization of their agency. If you think the Georgia suit was or is unwise, I want to hear from you.

“Eric Holder called the Civil Rights Division the ‘Crown Jewel’ of the Justice Department. I hope their career attorneys will embrace that tradition and follow the law and precedent outlined this morning by the Supreme Court. And if their political leadership won’t let them follow applicable law or regulations, our door is always open.”

Whistleblowers may contact Grassley’s office HERE.

https://www.grassley.senate.gov/contact/whistleblowers

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Middle District of Florida

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, July 2, 2021

Land O’ Lakes Man Indicted For Enticing A Minor Child To Engage In Sexual Activity, And For Producing And Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Materials

Tampa, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Karin Hoppmann announces the return of an indictment charging Michael Lumpkin, a/k/a “Jamari” (26, Land O’Lakes), with one count of enticement and attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, two counts of using a minor child to produce videos depicting sexual abuse, and one count of possessing matters containing child sex abuse materials. If convicted on all counts, Lumpkin faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.

According to the indictment, between July 2019 and February 2020, Lumpkin enticed and attempted to entice a child to engage in sexual activity. In February 2020, Lumpkin used a child to produce sexually explicit videos. Lastly, on or about July 24, 2020, Lumpkin knowingly possessed certain matters that contained visual depictions of children under the age of 12 being sexually abused.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/land-o-lakes-man-indicted-enticing-minor-child-engage-sexual-activity-and-producing-and

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Northern District of Florida

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, July 2, 2021

Gainesville Man Convicted Of Receipt And Possession Of Child Pornography

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – A federal jury in Gainesville has convicted Travonta Deangelo Rivers, 33, of Gainesville, on two counts of receipt of child pornography and two counts of possession of child pornography. The guilty verdict, reached by the jury yesterday after a two-day trial that began on Wednesday, was announced by Jason R. Coody, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

A search warrant at Rivers’ residence in May 2020, resulted in the seizure of computers which Rivers used to receive and share numerous videos of child pornography. Rivers was located and arrested in December 2020, and again found in possession of a computer which he had used to receive and share child pornography.

“Those who seek to view and maintain child pornography facilitate the abuse of children by those who produce and profit from this illegal content,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Coody. “With the assistance of our law enforcement partners, we will ensure that those who engage in such heinous conduct will be held accountable for their actions.”

"This guilty verdict has an immediate impact in making our communities safer by keeping this child predator off our streets and highlights the importance of law enforcement partnerships, like the one between HSI and the Gainesville Police Department," said HSI Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge K. Jim Phillips.

Rivers’ sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 14, 2021, at 1:00pm, at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville before the Honorable Allen Winsor. Rivers faces two mandatory minimum terms of five years imprisonment to twenty years imprisonment, a $500,000 fine, and a maximum term of Life on supervised release.

This conviction resulted from the collaborative investigation of Homeland Security Investigations, the Gainesville Police Department, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, and the St. John’s County Sheriff’s Office as part of the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Frank Williams prosecuted the case.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl/pr/gainesville-man-convicted-receipt-and-possession-child-pornography

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/former-customs-and-border-protection-officer-sentenced-child-exploitation-charge

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Southern District of Florida

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, July 2, 2021

Former Customs and Border Protection Officer Sentenced on Child Exploitation Charge

Miami, Florida – Defendant Fabio Lopez, 62, of Weston, Florida was sentenced last week by a federal district judge in Fort Lauderdale to 10 years in federal prison and a lifetime of supervised release for enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity.

According to court documents, Fabio Lopez, a former officer with Customs and Border Protection, enticed a 16-year-old child into attempting to produce child pornography. Lopez met the child after befriending her mother while on duty in his official capacity at Miami International Airport. From July 2019 through March 2020, Lopez had a relationship with the child and texted her frequently. According the factual proffer filed, Lopez fondled the child and offered her money in exchange for letting him take pornographic images of her. Lopez was arrested in Davie when he arrived to meet with the child. Prior to his arrival, Lopez had rented a local hotel room for the two and left a bag with lingerie for the child to wear.

Juan Antonio Gonzalez, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Anthony Salisbury, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Miami Field Office, announced the sentence.

HSI Miami investigated the case, with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Professional Responsibility and Pembroke Pines Police Department. The case was investigated as part of the South Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jodi L. Anton prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 20-cr-60081.

https://clintonfoundationtimeline.com/tags/john-brennan/

John Brennan

March 22, 2012 – The Obama administration announces new rules that will allow millions of U.S. citizens’ government files to be copied and analyzed for terrorism clues

2012 – 2017: DOJ Political Surveillance – From the IRS, to the FISA Court

July 31, 2014 – Brennan apologizes to Feinstein for CIA spying on Senate Intel Committee and staffers

June 2015 – February 2016: A British 15-year-old gains access to intelligence operations in Afghanistan and Iran after hacking Brennan’s internet accounts

November, 2015 – Former US Attorney: Susan Rice orders spy agencies to produce ‘detailed spreadsheets’ involving Trump

Late December 2015 – Brennan’s role in disseminating “unofficial” foreign intelligence to the FBI

Late December 2015 – The key foreign intelligence players behind Spygate

December 2015 – January 2017: Spygate, the true story of collusion – how America’s most powerful agencies were weaponized against Trump

December 2015-2016: The various UK and Australian intelligence officials involved in Spygate and Russiagate

Late December 2015 – The investigations into Donald Trump and his campaign began much earlier, in Great Britain

January 20, 2016 – January 20, 2017: Samantha Power sought to unmask Americans on almost daily basis, sources say

January 2016 – John Brennan opens a secret task force with its own separate budget to investigate Trump campaign

March 14, 2016 – Russian official claims CIA Director Brennan makes a secret trip to Moscow

May 4, 2016 – The FBI, CIA and Russia know what the Clinton campaign is doing with its Trump-Russia collusion plan

June – July, 2016: The first two FISA applications submitted by the DOJ, are rejected by the FISA court

July 26, 2016 – US intel learns from Russian intel of a Clinton plan to cook up a scandal alleging Trump Russia collusion; Brennan briefs Obama

July 31, 2016 – The “insurance policy”, the “EC”, the FBI counterintel operation, and the informant who originates Brennan’s EC

August – November, 2016: Obama White House keeps key officials in dark about Brennan’s Russia intel

August 4, 2016 – Brennan briefs Obama on Putin’s attempts to discredit the U.S. presidential race

August 4, 2016 – Judge Napolitano: “Obama used the British GCHQ to spy on the Trump Team”

August 4, 2016 – A few operational details of the CIA/NSA/FBI/White House counterintelligence investigation into the Trump campaign

August 4, 2016 – CIA director Brennan convenes a secret task force at CIA headquarters

August 9, 2016 – In response to Brennan’s warnings, Rice, Haines and Monaco convene meetings in the Situation Room

August 2016 – Head of GCHQ, Robert Hannigan, flies to Washington and briefs John Brennan on an alleged stream of illicit communications between Trump’s team and Moscow

August 25, 2016 – CIA director John Brennan briefs Harry Reid and other “Gang of Eight” members on Russia’s efforts to help Trump

October 21, 2016 – Carter Page’s flawed FISA makes its way through the system

November 17-18, 2016 – Admiral Rogers visits Trump Towers, Trump moves transition team to his Bedminister Club the next day

December 12, 2016 – CIA director Brennan selects FBI Peter Strzok to work on the Joint Analysis Report (JAR) and help write the Intel Community Assessment (ICA)

December 12, 2016 – McCabe-Page texts reveal high-level intel meeting after 2016 election

December 12, 2016 – Clapper says CIA is wrong on Russia and Clinton leaks

December 2016-January 25, 2017: How the Pence vs. Flynn “lying” and “Russian blackmail” narratives are created – A timeline

December 19, 2016 – Strzok text to Page: “It will make your head spin to realize how many stories we played a major role in! Sheesh, this has been quite a year…”

December 20-29, 2016 – A newly semi-declassified Senate report details a 9 day ‘bitter argument’ between CIA And FBI over Steele dossier

December 29, 2016 – The Intel community releases the Joint Analysis Report claiming Russia hacked the DNC, then Obama imposes sanctions

January, 2017 – The DOJ/FBI intelligence operation against Lt. General Michael Flynn

January 5, 2017 – Obama knows details of Michael Flynn’s call with Russian Ambassador

January 5, 2017 – Obama holds WH briefing with Intel leaders to discuss ICA report he ordered on Trump/Russian activities

January 5, 2017 – Brennan meets with Obama in the Oval Office re Russiagate, then discusses the meeting at the Institute of Politics in Chicago

January 06, 2017 – Intel chiefs present Trump with Russian operatives claims of Russian efforts to compromise him

January 6, 2017 – Comey writes in a memo that pressure from CNN prompted his dossier briefing with Trump

January 6, 2017 – Comey visits Trump at Trump Tower as part of a FBI counterintelligence investigation

January 6, 2017 – The DOJ OIG report on Comey’s memos details plans to ambush Trump with Moscow sex allegation

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Northern District of Florida

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, July 2, 2021

Michigan Sex Offender Sentenced To Thirty-Five Years For Enticing An Okaloosa County Child To Produce Child Pornography

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA - Frank Leon Stapleton, 45, of Ypsilanti, Michigan, was sentenced in federal court today to thirty-five years' imprisonment for enticement of a minor, production of child pornography, and transfer of obscene matter to a minor. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

In June 2019, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office was contacted regarding communications of a sexual nature between an unknown individual and a 9-year old girl via the internet. Deputies observed text communications on the child’s cellphone wherein the individual enticed the child to produce child pornography of herself, then directed that explicit images and videos be sent to him. The individual also transmitted images and videos of adults engaged in sex acts to the child. Through collaborative efforts, deputies and agents with Homeland Security Investigations identified the individual as Frank Leon Stapleton, a previously convicted sex offender who was at the time on supervised release as a result of a prior federal conviction involving his possession of child pornography in Michigan.

“There is no greater charge than the protection of our children,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Coody. “Acts of such depravity, committed by a previously convicted sex offender while under court-ordered supervision, highlight the danger to our most vulnerable. We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who prey upon our children.”

“This child predator was brought to justice via a collaborative effort between HSI Pensacola, HSI Detroit, and our partners with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, highlighting the important work of the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force,” said HSI Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge K. Jim Phillips.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey M. Tharp.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl/pr/michigan-sex-offender-sentenced-thirty-five-years-enticing-okaloosa-county-child

>>14039747

>https://clintonfoundationtimeline.com/tags/john-brennan/

January 7, 2017 – The Intelligence Community Assessment is released and Brennan withholds dissenting evidence that Russia favors Hillary

January 10, 2017 – A Lisa Page email shows direct evidence of investigative leaking and bias – IG Horowitz later finds no bias

January 10, 2017 – CNN reports on the Clinton/DNC/Steele Dossier and Trump’s meeting with Intel chiefs

January 12, 2017 – Flynn’s defense claims there is a letter from UK National Security Advisor Sir Mark Lyall Grant that invalidates Steel info, undermines Russiagate, and is being suppressed

January 21, 2017 to Present: Former top staffer for Sen. Dianne Feinstein may be directing the post-election efforts of Fusion GPS

March 16, 2017 – Judge Andrew Napolitano – Did Obama spy on Trump?

March 22, 2017 – CIA whistleblower, Dennis Montgomery, provided proof Trump was under “systematic illegal” surveillance and the FBI refused to investigate

April 13, 2017 – GCHQ admits the British spy agency was digitally wiretapping Trump associates in 2015

April 26, 2017 – DOJ oversight conducted a review of Section 702 Acquired Information between November 2015-May 2016 and found 85% of U.S. persons queries were unlawful or non-compliant

May 23, 2017 – Brennan lies; Gowdy claims a classified email can prove Brennan insisted the Steele dossier be included in the presidential intelligence community assessment (ICA)

August 2, 2017 – Mueller outlines Rosenstein August 2nd, Scope Memo: investigate claims in Steele Dossier

October 20, 2017 – Rod Rosenstein issues a third scope memo to Robert Mueller, giving his team ammunition and authority to investigate specific targets

February 8, 2018 – Grassley and Graham have a set of questions for Susan Rice about the email she sent to herself

March 5, 2018 – Two Intel colleagues contradict Brennan’s denial of reliance on Clinton/DNC/Steele Dossier

July 13, 2018 – Lisa Page testifies she was unaware of Brennan’s role in helping establish the FBI counterintelligence investigation

July 13, 2018 – Lisa Page testimony on FISA briefings, Brennan, and White House knowledge

October 3, 2018 – James Baker testimony reveals he met with Larry Klayman regarding CIA/NSA whistleblower, Dennis Montgomery, and played a role in his immunity deal

December 18, 2018 – Four major blows to the credibility of the Steele dossier…why the lies in the Steele dossier matter

January 21, 2019 – Death of Russiagate: Mueller team ties to Mifsud’s network

March 25, 2019 – Former CIA director John Brennan admits he received “bad information” that lead to conspiracy indictments

March 28, 2019 – Devin Nunes could submit a criminal referral for CIA Director John Brennan

April 14, 2019 – Release this material and the entire corrupt construct is exposed

April 18, 2019 – Mueller’s own report undercuts its core Russia-meddling claims

May 4, 2019 – James Comey justifies FBI spy operations – More reason to release his “Spygate” Memos

June 20, 2019 – The Justice Department allows Congress to view the Rosenstein Scope Memos

August 8, 2019 – Trump appoints former Admiral Joseph Maguire as acting DNI

September 14, 2019 – Opinion: Scott Ritter probes Russian informant, Oleg Smolenkov’s role as a CIA asset and the use of his data by Brennan

October 2, 2019 – Justice Department to question former CIA director John Brennan in ‘Spygate’ Inquiry

October 6, 2019 – In a single statement on MSNBC, John Brennan turns the foundation of American jurisprudence on its head

October 30, 2019 – Andrew McCabe refuses to discuss FBI verification of the Clinton/DNC/Steele Dossier

October 30, 2019 – Beltway talk suggests the alleged hearsay whistleblower is Eric Ciaramella

October 30, 2019 – Former CIA directors, John Brennan and John McLaughlin, brag about the deep state being engaged in a coup to remove President Trump; the crowd cheers

November 8, 2019 – Judicial Watch conducts a review of WH visitor logs to learn who the hearsay whistleblower and DNC operative Alexandra Chalupa met

December 9, 2019 – The IG FISA report reveals Brennan lied to the House Intelligence Committee

December 9, 2019 – Details of FBI’s targeting of Trump emerge in Horowitz report

January 14, 2020 – Adam Schiff transmits newly “coordinated” evidence to Jerry Nadler to be included in the impeachment articles

February 13, 2020 – Did the CIA attempt to withhold information from FBI about their source inside the Kremlin?

April 2, 2020 – Michael Flynn lawyer says he was prepared to ‘audit’ Obama spy officials before getting ‘set up’

April 19, 2020 – John Brennan’s actions during the 2016 election – in his own words

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of South Dakota

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, July 5, 2021

Texas Man Sentenced in Federal Court for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Texas man convicted of failure to register as a sex offender was sentenced on June 28, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.

Rene Alvarez DeLeon, Jr., age 45, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

DeLeon was indicted for failure to register as a sex offender by a federal grand jury on March 2, 2021. He pled guilty to on May 11, 2021.

According to court documents, in April 2020, DeLeon, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, knowingly failed to register and update his registration. He is a sex offender by reason of a conviction for sexual assault of a child under the laws of the State of Texas, and he traveled in interstate commerce, and having entered, left, and resided in Indian country, while failing to register or update his registration.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Jehangiri prosecuted the case.

DeLeon was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/texas-man-sentenced-federal-court-failure-register-sex-offender

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of South Dakota

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, July 5, 2021

Box Elder Man Pleads Not Guilty to Aggravated Sexual Abuse

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Box Elder, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for three counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse and one count of Abusive Sexual Contact.

Ricardo Edward Franc Olandez, age 34, was indicted on June 17, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on June 28, 2021, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is lifetime imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine, up to life of supervised release, and a $400 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The charges relate to Olandez forcing a juvenile female to engage in sexual acts with him between April 1, 2021, and May 14, 2021, on the Ellsworth Air Force Base.

The charges are merely accusations and Olandez is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the Department of the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama is prosecuting the case.

Olandez was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been set for September 7, 2021.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/box-elder-man-pleads-not-guilty-aggravated-sexual-abuse

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Western District of North Carolina

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, July 6, 2021

Newport, N.C. Man Is Sentenced To 10 Years For Online Enticement Of A Minor

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – James Wesley Safrit, 33, of Newport, N.C. was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Frank D. Whitney to 120 months in prison for the online enticement of a minor, announced William T. Stetzer, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Judge Whitney also ordered Safrit to register as a sex offender and to serve 25 years under court supervision after he is released from prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Stetzer is joined in making today’s announcement by Robert R. Wells, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division.

According to court documents and today’s court proceedings, between January 9 and January 21, 2020, Safrit used MeetMe, a social networking application, to engage in multiple communications with an FBI undercover employee posing as a minor. Court records show that, during these communications, Safrit discussed his interest in engaging in sexual contact with the minor and made arrangements to meet the minor. Law enforcement arrested Safrit in Matthews, N.C., when he arrived at the agreed-upon location to meet with the person Safrit thought was a 14-year-old boy, for the purpose of engaging in sexual activities. Safrit pleaded guilty on June 19, 2020, to enticement of a minor using a means and facility of interstate commerce.

In imposing today’s sentence, Judge Whitney noted that “this type of criminal conduct is unacceptable and will be punished severely.”

Safit is currently in federal custody and he will be transferred to custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.

The investigation was led by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark T. Odulio, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdnc/pr/newport-nc-man-sentenced-10-years-online-enticement-minor

Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Southern District of Indiana

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, July 7, 2021

Bloomington Man Sentenced for Child Pornography Charge

INDIANAPOLIS – A Bloomington man was sentenced to 8 years in prison for conspiracy to transport child pornography. He will also serve 10 years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $5,000 in restitution to the minor victim.

According to court documents, Corey Taylor-Simpson, 33, knowingly conspired with at least one other person to transport child pornography using the internet. Between September 1, 2019, and November 14, 2019, Taylor-Simpson learned the minor victim was creating sexually explicit content and distributing it online for monetary compensation using social media platforms. Taylor-Simpson facilitated payments and money transfers between the online purchasers and the minor victim, provided the minor victim with a cell phone and internet access, and encouraged the minor victim to engage in the conduct because he needed money.

“Society rightfully expects all of us to protect the children of our communities, said Acting U.S. Attorney John E. Childress. “In contrast, this defendant chose to viciously exploit a minor child, not only failing to meet any standards of decency or humanity but choosing instead to inflict significant pain and suffering on a vulnerable victim. My office will pursue anyone capable of such cruelty until justice is served.”

“Distributing child pornography re-victimizes our children every time it is passed from one person to another. This sentence sends a clear message that adults who sexually exploit minors and traffic such images for their own monetary gain will be identified and held responsible for their actions,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Paul Keenan.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bloomington Police Department, and the Indiana State Police Cyber Unit.

Assistant United States Attorney Kristina Korobov prosecuted the case.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdin/pr/bloomington-man-sentenced-child-pornography-charge

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Eastern District of New York

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, July 7, 2021

Staten Island Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Transferring Obscene Material to A Minor

Defendant Faces a Minimum of 10 Years in Prison for Sending Sexually Explicit Material to a 12-Year-Old on Instagram

Earlier today, Ryan Behar pleaded guilty in federal court in Brooklyn to transferring obscene material to a minor and to committing that offense while required by state law to register as a sex offender. The proceeding took place before United States District Judge Rachel P. Kovner. When sentenced, Behar faces a statutory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment.

Jacquelyn M. Kasulis, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the guilty plea.

“The defendant, a registered sex offender, admits to victimizing a 12-year-old girl by misrepresenting himself as a teenager on social media and sending her obscene, sexually explicit material,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Kasulis. “Protecting children from predators like the defendant will always be a priority of this Office. The defendant’s conduct should serve as a reminder to parents of the dangers that may be lurking online.” Ms. Kasulis expressed her grateful appreciation to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and the FBI’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force for their work on the case.

As set forth in court filings and today’s court proceeding, in October 2020, while misrepresenting himself on Instagram to be a teenage boy, Behar, then 41 years old, contacted the victim and asked her age. The victim responded that she was 12 years old, provided an image of a young girl and stated, “This is what I look like.” Behar repeatedly asked the victim to send him images of her body. When she refused, Behar sent her a graphic image of adult male genitals and wrote to the victim “that’s mine,” and continued to press the victim for “full body” images.

Behar was previously convicted in February 2018 in Richmond County Supreme Court for attempted dissemination of indecent material to a minor in the first degree after sending sexually explicit material over social media to another female minor victim. Following that conviction, Behar was required to register with the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services as a Level 1 sex offender pursuant to the New York Sex Offender Registration Act.

The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section. Assistant United States Attorney Garen S. Marshall is in charge of the prosecution.

The Defendant:

RYAN BEHAR

Age: 42

Staten Island, New York

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-CR-187 (RPK)

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/pr/staten-island-sex-offender-pleads-guilty-transferring-obscene-material-minor

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Eastern District of Washington

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, July 7, 2021

Warden Man Sentenced To 23 Years for Child Sex Trafficking and Production of Child Pornography

Spokane – Joseph H. Harrington, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Carlos Salgado Velasquez, age 30, of Warden, Washington, was sentenced today after pleading guilty on April 1, 2021, to one count of Production of Child Pornography and one count of Child Sex Trafficking. Senior United States District Judge Nielsen sentenced Velasquez to a 23-year term of imprisonment, to be followed by a life term of court supervision after Velasquez is released from federal prison.

According to information disclosed during court proceedings, beginning in September 2016 and continuing through September 2018, Velasquez engaged in conduct with four minor female victims within the Eastern District of Washington that constituted both the production of child pornography and child sex trafficking, in violation of federal law. Velasquez admitted that he knowingly took part in sexually explicit conduct with the four minor victims for the purpose of producing visual depictions of the sexually explicit conduct. Velasquez also admitted that he engaged in commercial sex acts with the four minor victims by soliciting them to engage in sexual intercourse with him in exchange for things of value. Velasquez solicited the four victims to engage in commercial sex acts with him by arranging to meet them using various internet communications platforms.

Acting United States Attorney Harrington said “This case was pursued as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the United States Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. The Project Safe Childhood Initiative (“PSC”) has five major components:

· Integrated federal, state, and local efforts to investigate and prosecute child exploitation cases, and to

identify and rescue children;

· Participation of PSC partners in coordinated national initiatives;

· Increased federal enforcement in child pornography and enticement cases;

· Training of federal, state, and local law enforcement agents; and

· Community awareness and educational programs.

For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."

This case was investigated by the Spokane Resident Office of the United States Department of Homeland Security, the Southeast Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which includes detectives from the Kennewick and Richland Police Departments, and the Moses Lake Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Ann T. Wick, Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edwa/pr/warden-man-sentenced-23-years-child-sex-trafficking-and-production-child-pornography

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Eastern District of Wisconsin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, July 7, 2021

Wausau Woman Pleads Guilty to Distribution of Child Pornography

Acting United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on July 7, 2021, Natalie J. Ticho (age: 25) of Wausau, Wisconsin, appeared in federal court in Green Bay and pled guilty to a single-count information charging her with distribution of child pornography.

As detailed in a plea agreement filed in the case, Ticho distributed sexually explicit images of a 7-year-old child and engaged in conversations online about child pornography. Unbeknownst to Ticho, she was communicating with an undercover law enforcement officer. Her arrest and subsequent conviction were part of Operation Kick Boxer, a collaborative effort involving the Milwaukee Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, and the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office. (https://go.usa.gov/xfPHh).

Ticho will be sentenced on October 12, 2021, at 1:30 p.m. before Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach. Pursuant to the terms of the plea agreement, Ticho will receive a 90-month federal prison sentence. She will also be required to register as a sexual offender.

This case was investigated by the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI’s Milwaukee and Green Bay Offices, with the assistance of the Wausau Police Department and the Marathon County District Attorney’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edwi/pr/wausau-woman-pleads-guilty-distribution-child-pornography

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Central District of Illinois

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, July 7, 2021

Park Forest Man Convicted of Enticement of a Minor

PEORIA, Ill. – A federal jury deliberated for just over two hours before returning a guilty verdict this afternoon against Bryan Rossi, 31, of the 400 block of Titonka Street in Park Forest, Ill., for one count of enticement of a minor.

Over two days of testimony this week, the government presented evidence to establish that Rossi arranged to meet a 15-year-old minor for sexual activity on the dating application Grindr.

Sentencing for Rossi has been scheduled for November 15, 2021, before U.S. District Judge Michael Mihm at the federal courthouse in Peoria, Ill. Rossi faces statutory penalties of 10 years to life imprisonment. He remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals.

Rossi was arrested over Valentine’s Day weekend 2020 as part of an FBI operation conducted in Kankakee County, Ill. The operation was conducted with the assistance of the Bradley Police Department, the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kankakee Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elly Peirson and Melissa Moody represented the government at trial.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdil/pr/park-forest-man-convicted-enticement-minor

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Western District of Oklahoma

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, July 7, 2021

Registered Sex Offender Sentenced to Serve Fifty Years in Federal Prison for Producing Child Pornography

OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, William Don Dollarhide, 45, of Nardin, Oklahoma, was sentenced to serve 50 years in federal prison for producing child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

On June 16, 2020, a federal grand jury returned an Indictment against Dollarhide, charging him with producing and possessing child pornography.

Public records reflect that, in September 2018, Dollarhide, a registered sex offender due to a prior Oklahoma state child pornography conviction, used his cell phone to film himself sexually abusing a 10-year-old girl. The child’s mother called the Grant County Sheriff’s Department on May 12, 2019, reporting that Dollarhide had sexually assaulted the girl. Officers responded to Dollarhide’s residence and arrested him. Officers later searched his electronic devices under a search warrant. They discovered photographs and videos of Dollarhide sexually abusing the girl and nude pictures and videos of the girl in the bathroom he produced using a hidden camera.

On October 7, 2020, Dollarhide pleaded guilty to producing child pornography.

Today, U.S. District Judge Scott L. Palk sentenced Dollarhide to serve 50 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release. In imposing the sentence, Judge Palk noted that by repeatedly victimizing a 10-year-old girl Dollarhide had given the girl a life sentence. The Judge also took into consideration the fact that Dollarhide had a collection of other child pornography images on his computer. In imposing the maximum sentence—600 months’ imprisonment—the Court ensured that Dollarhide would never endanger or exploit a child again.

This case results from an investigation by the Grant County Sheriff’s Department, with forensic analysis assistance from the Enid Police Department and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Hale prosecuted the case.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdok/pr/registered-sex-offender-sentenced-serve-fifty-years-federal-prison-producing-child

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of Minnesota

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 8, 2021

White Earth Man Sentenced To 17 Years In Prison For Sexual Abuse Of A Minor

MINNEAPOLIS – A White Earth man was sentenced yesterday to 205 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release for sexually abusing a minor.

According to court documents, between April 2018 and October 2018, within the exterior boundaries of the White Earth Indian Reservation, Evan James Oppegard, 33, knowingly engaged in sexual acts with a minor. Oppegard also admitted to sending sexually explicit communications to, and soliciting sexual acts with, the minor via Facebook.

Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk for the District of Minnesota made the announcement after Chief U.S. District Judge John R. Tunheim sentenced the defendant.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the White Earth Police Department, the Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan B. Gilead prosecuted the case.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-mn/pr/white-earth-man-sentenced-17-years-prison-sexual-abuse-minor

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Middle District of Pennsylvania

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 8, 2021

Scranton Man Convicted For Production Of Child Pornography And Attempted Witness Intimidation

SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that John Lewis Kramer, age 36, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was convicted on July 7, 2021, by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for production of child pornography and attempted witness tampering.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, during the two-day bench trial, the Government presented evidence that Kramer produced images and videos of child pornography between March 1, 2019 and March 27, 2020. Also, on January 22, 2021, Kramer sent a letter to the victim’s mother threatening to have her arrested and put in jail.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Scranton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts and Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian Gallagher are prosecuting the case.

A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Kramer faces a mandatory minimum 15-year sentence. And the maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 30 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdpa/pr/scranton-man-convicted-production-child-pornography-and-attempted-witness-intimidation

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of Oregon

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 8, 2021

Washington State Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison After Traveling Across State Lines for Sex with a Minor

EUGENE, Ore.—A Vancouver, Washington man was sentenced to federal prison today for sending sexually explicit emails and text messages to an undercover law enforcement officer posing online as a 13-year-old girl, and then traveling across state lines for a planned sexual encounter with the child.

Daniel Lee Baldie, 35, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and 25 years’ supervised release.

According to court documents, in January and February 2020, Baldie sent emails and text messages to a Benton County Sheriff’s Office deputy posing online as a 13-year-old girl. Baldie’s emails included requests for a nude photo and descriptions of sexual acts he would engage in with the child. Baldie also sent the deputy a photo of his genitals. As part of the email and text message exchange, Baldie arranged to meet the purported child and bring her back to his residence in Vancouver for a sexual encounter.

On February 7, 2020, law enforcement officers followed Baldie from his residence to a meeting location in Corvallis, Oregon where he was arrested. Baldie admitted he intended to meet the child and take her back to his residence.

On February 11, 2020, Baldie was charged by criminal complaint with traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, attempted production of child pornography, and coercion and enticement. On March 30, 2021, he pleaded guilty to attempted coercion and enticement of a minor.

This case was investigated by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI. It was prosecuted by Jeffrey Sweet, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon and the Benton County District Attorney’s Office

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at (503) 224-4181 or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-or/pr/washington-state-man-sentenced-10-years-federal-prison-after-traveling-across-state-lines

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Western District of Washington

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 8, 2021

Southwest Washington registered sex offender sentenced to 20+ years in prison for producing images of child rape and abuse

Made images of molestation of neighbor child who was less than 12 years old

Tacoma - A registered sex offender from Skamania County was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to 251 months in prison for production of child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Steven Lee McBride, 51, pleaded guilty in August 2020. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle said “It is not hyperbole to say what happened to this victim is a life sentence. These traumas follow the victim their whole life long.”

“Congress has appropriately mandated some of the lengthiest sentences for those who abuse our vulnerable children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Gorman. “In this case the defendant, with prior child sex crime convictions, used stealth, deception and ultimately threats to harm and kill loved ones, to force a young child to do his sick bidding. This lengthy sentence is fully appropriate.”

According to records filed in the case, in 2007, McBride was convicted in Idaho of molesting two children under the age of 16 and was required to register as a sex offender following a state prison term of up to 15-years. Upon release from prison, McBride moved to a residence in Skamania County. There he moved next door to a distant relative and befriended that neighbor’s child. Between September 2017 and May 2019, McBride made sexually explicit images of the child by hiding a camera in the bathroom, molesting the child while the child slept and ultimately by posing as a school friend of the child online to demand the child send sexually explicit images. McBride threatened to kill the child’s family if the child did not continue to provide the photos.

Law enforcement learned of the production of child pornography when investigators in Queensland, Australia became aware of McBride providing sexually explicit images online in their jurisdiction. An undercover officer contacted McBride and got additional information about the identity of the victim from McBride. The Vancouver Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations moved quickly to alert the victim’s parent and arrest McBride on June 7, 2019.

Assistant United States Attorney Angelica Williams noted in her statements to the court that McBride was a serial child predator. “His conduct was intentional, malicious, and calculated… He bragged about the abuse.”

Judge Settle said that protecting the community was the top priority in this case. He ordered McBride to be on lifetime supervised release following his prison term.

McBride was sentenced to 75 months in prison in Skamania County Superior Court for the hands-on molestation. Under the terms of the plea agreement his state and federal sentences will run concurrently.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Vancouver Police Department and the Queensland Australia Police.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Angelica Williams.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdwa/pr/southwest-washington-registered-sex-offender-sentenced-20-years-prison-producing-images

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Eastern District of Louisiana

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 8, 2021

Kentwood Man Sentenced to Ten Years for Possession of Child Pornography

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that RANDOLPH ARD (“ARD”), age 65, of Kentwood, Louisiana, was sentenced today for Possession of Child Pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(4)(B).

According to documents filed in federal court, on November 22, 2017, law enforcement officers with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation arrested ARD at his Kentwood home after finding that ARD was in possession of several items, including a laptop computer and thumb drive that contained images depicting the sexual victimization of prepubescent children. Court records also revealed that ARD was previously convicted in Tangipahoa Parish Criminal District Court for pornography involving juveniles and indecent behavior with juveniles on March 6, 2013. ARD was on state parole supervision at the time of his arrest.

U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon sentenced ARD to 120 months imprisonment, followed by five (5) years of supervised release, sex offender registration, and a $100 special assessment.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U. S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, and Louisiana Probation and Parole in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit, Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/pr/kentwood-man-sentenced-ten-years-possession-child-pornography

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Western District of Texas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 8, 2021

Federal Jury Convicts Department of Defense Contractor of Attempted Child Enticement

SAN ANTONIO – A federal jury today convicted Rick A. Benavides, a 48-year-old Department of Defense information technology contractor, of attempting to entice a child to engage in sexual activity.

According to evidence presented during the three-day trial, in February 2019 Benavides repeatedly requested that the minor send him a photograph of her full body while she showered through multiple online chats, including while at work. During his chat conversations, Benavides described the sexual acts he wanted to engage in with the minor. He also made plans to pick up the minor on Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA)-Lackland, take her to his off-base residence to engage in sexual activity, then return her.

On February 20, 2019, Benavides arrived at Lyons Park on JBSA-Lackland to meet the minor only to discover that the individual he believed he was communicating with was in fact an undercover U.S. Air Force Office of Investigations agent.

U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff made today’s announcement.

Benavides remains in federal custody pending sentencing scheduled for October 20, 2021, before U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez. He faces from 10 years to life in federal prison.

The U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations conducted this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bettina Richardson is prosecuting this case.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtx/pr/federal-jury-convicts-department-defense-contractor-attempted-child-enticement

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Western District of Wisconsin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, July 9, 2021

Darlington Man Sentenced to 8 Years for Receiving Child Pornography

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Alan J. Liphart, 36, of Darlington, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 96 months in prison for receiving child pornography. This term of imprisonment will be followed by 25 years of supervised release. Liphart pleaded guilty to this charge on April 8, 2021.

On May 25, 2020, Liphart was taken into custody for violating a condition of his probation and a smart phone was seized. Officers analyzed the phone and found text messages between Liphart and a then-14-year-old child from approximately five years earlier. In one of the messages, he asked the victim to send a picture of their genitals and the victim complied. Text messages also showed the defendant then traveled to meet the minor and paid the minor to engage in sexual conduct.

Judge Conley noted that Liphart’s criminal history began when he was 15 years old and that he had a history of victimizing children dating back decades. Judge Conley was also concerned that Liphart did not take his sex offender treatment seriously and that until he did, he remained a danger to the community.

The charge against Liphart was the result of an investigation conducted by the Darlington Police Department, Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office, and Rock Island (Illinois) Police Department. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdwi/pr/darlington-man-sentenced-8-years-receiving-child-pornography

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Southern District of Florida

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, July 9, 2021

Adult Man Pretending to be Teenager Pleads Guilty to Federal Child Pornography Charges

Miami, Florida – A Palm Beach Gardens, Florida adult who enticed minor girls into sending him sexually explicit pictures of themselves by, among other things, pretending to be a teenager during on-line chats has pled guilty in federal court in West Palm Beach to production, distribution, and possession of child pornography.

According to court records, beginning in 2008, Dwight Castaldi, 45, communicated with girls as young as 13 on a social networking website. Castaldi told the girls he was a teenager and sent the victims pictures of an unknown young man, falsely claiming they were pictures of him. During chats, after promising each girl an exclusive relationship, Castaldi convinced the minors to take sexually explicit pictures of themselves and send the images to him. Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Castaldi’s Palm Beach County home in 2018. They found several electronic devices containing hundreds of videos and photographs of child exploitation material and evidence of Castaldi communicating with others about it.

Castaldi’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 20, 2021, before U.S. District Judge Rodney Smith. Castaldi faces a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 15 years and a maximum of life.

Castaldi recently completed a three-year sentence in California on separate charges for similar conduct of enticing a 13-year-old girl using the internet.

Acting U.S. Attorney Juan Antonio Gonzalez of the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge George L. Piro of FBI Miami announced the guilty plea.

FBI Miami investigated the case, together with the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department and Huntington Beach California Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Schiller is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about the Project Safe Childhood initiative and for information regarding Internet safety, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

To report online child sexual exploitation, use the electronic Cyber Tip Line or call 1-800-843-5678. The Cyber Tip Line is operated by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in partnership with the FBI and other law enforcement agencies.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 20-cr-80087.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/adult-man-pretending-be-teenager-pleads-guilty-federal-child-pornography-charges

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of Maryland

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, July 9, 2021

Baltimore Sex Trafficker Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Sex Trafficking Four Minor Victims

Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Court Judge George J. Hazel sentenced Sean Dean, age 29, of Baltimore, Maryland to 10 years in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of a minor. Judge Hazel also ordered that, upon his release from prison, Dean must register as a sex offender in the places where he resides, where he is an employee, and where he is a student, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).

The sentence was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; Special Agent in Charge James R. Mancuso of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Chief Russell E. Hamill III of the City of Laurel Police Department.

According to Dean’s plea agreement, from December 2017 until January 2018, Dean recruited, harbored, transported, and/or maintained five females, including four minors ranging from 15 to 17 years old, to engage in commercial sex acts. Dean utilized social media and cellular telephones to recruit, monitor, direct, and communicate with the four girls and the woman.

In furtherance of the sex trafficking enterprise, Dean and/or a co-conspirator rented hotel rooms in Timonium and Laurel, Maryland to be used by the victims to engage in commercial sex acts. Dean and his co-conspirator transported the victims to the various hotels where they would stay for multiple days. While in the hotel rooms, at Dean’s direction, the victims used a website to advertise themselves for commercial sex acts. The advertisements contained pictures of the victims in provocative poses and provided contact information for clients to use to secure a “date” with the victims. The victims were required to share a portion of the proceeds from any commercial sex acts with Dean and his co-conspirator.

As detailed in his plea agreement, Dean and his co-conspirator transported three of the minor girls and the woman to a hotel in Timonium. The victims were at the hotel for approximately one week and met with multiple customers per day to engage in commercial sex acts. The victims shared a portion of the proceeds earned from their commercial sex acts with Dean and the co-conspirator. Dean also rented rooms at a hotel in Laurel, where the victims engaged in commercial sex acts with multiple clients. Dean also recruited the fourth minor girl to come to the hotel to engage in sex acts.

On January 11, 2018, Dean and his co-conspirator transported all five victims to another hotel in Laurel, where Dean had rented rooms for the victims to use for commercial sex acts. In response to a complaint, law enforcement responded to two different rooms rented by Dean. Law enforcement located three minor girls and the woman in the two rooms. The fourth minor girl had already left the hotel. Dean and the co-conspirator fled to avoid detection by law enforcement. After leaving the area, Dean exchanged messages with the woman indicating that he had left to avoid law enforcement because he knew one of the victims was underage. Dean also directed the woman to delete their messages.

This case was investigated by law enforcement agencies that are members of the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force, formed in 2007 to discover and rescue victims of human trafficking while identifying and prosecuting offenders. Members include federal, state and local law enforcement, as well as victim service providers and local community members. For more information about the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force, please visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/md/priorities_human.html.

Report suspected instances of human trafficking to HSI's tip line at 866-DHS-2ICE (1-866-347-2423) or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators.

Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner praised the HSI and the Laurel Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Lenzner thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph R. Baldwin and Elizabeth Wright, who prosecuted the case.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/pr/baltimore-sex-trafficker-sentenced-10-years-federal-prison-sex-trafficking-four-minor

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Eastern District of Virginia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, July 9, 2021

EDVA Launches “UnMasked” Initiative to Combat Online Exploitation

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Raj Parekh, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA), announced today the launch of “UnMasked,” a community-based educational outreach and prevention program in Virginia dedicated to raising awareness about the prevalence of online sexual exploitation involving children and young adults.

“Online predators target some of the most vulnerable members of our society and can cause a devastating impact on our communities and loved ones,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Raj Parekh. “The first step to fighting back is awareness—educating our youth and parents with information on how to prevent these crimes from happening. UnMasked will help achieve these goals by establishing a community-based program that is designed to raise awareness and combat the often-hidden scourge of cyber abuse.”

UnMasked is a multi-disciplinary partnership of local, state, federal, and non-profit stakeholders committed to raising awareness of threats and resources through education. The initiative provides a platform to educate middle school, high school, and college students, along with parents, teachers, and the broader community, about the potential dangers of the internet. UnMasked presentations will use real-life case examples of online sexual exploitation, as illustrated by law enforcement agents, prosecutors, and survivors of these crimes.

The program name, “UnMasked,” alludes to the often hidden and clandestine nature of online sexual exploitation. Not only are internet predators able to use online identities as a mask to lure in their victims, but those victims are often also “masked” as a result of the fear and stigma that can accompany cyber exploitation. This educational initiative seeks to address both sides of these issues to “unmask” and expose these invisible dangers. The program will also provide a safe environment and opportunity for students and adults to disclose if they have been victims of online exploitation.

The UnMasked initiative will involve educational presentations at schools, colleges, and universities throughout the Eastern District of Virginia. The core curriculum is provided by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s (NCMEC) NetSmartz program. Participants and others in the audience will hear personal stories by real survivors, along with presentations from experts in the investigative, forensic, and mental health fields. These events, which are set to begin during the 2021–2022 school year, will include interactive components, as well as live and video testimonials from survivors cautioning students about the dangers of online communications. UnMasked will offer lessons learned, tips, and best practices on how to avoid being subjected to exploitation, as well as what to do if they or someone they know becomes a victim.

According to NCMEC, online exploitation exploded in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic as social isolation and online activity increased. NCMEC’s “CyberTipline” received more than 21.4 million reports of child sexual exploitation from electronic service providers in 2020, as well as over 303,000 reports of online sexual exploitation from the public. This represents a 27% annual increase in reporting from electronic service providers, as well as a more than doubling in reports from the public. According to NCMEC, online exploitation encompasses a broad range of offenses, including “online enticement of children for sexual acts, child sexual molestation, child sexual abuse material, child sex tourism, child sex trafficking, unsolicited obscene materials sent to a child, misleading domain names, and misleading words or digital images on the internet.” Cyber exploitation often begins with perpetrators contacting potential victims through social media applications, video games, and websites, typically using false online profiles, and such conduct can involve both online sexual exploitation and in-person sexual abuse.

EDVA’s partners in this community-based initiative will include the Washington, D.C., Richmond, and Norfolk Field Offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); the U.S. Department of Defense’s Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Washington, D.C., and Norfolk Field Offices; and NCMEC, among other law enforcement, educational, and community organizations.

“In those unfortunate instances when these horrific crimes occur, EDVA will prosecute the perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law, seek justice for all victims, and send a strong message to deter others from engaging in this reprehensible conduct,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Parekh.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edva/pr/edva-launches-unmasked-initiative-combat-online-exploitation

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of New Mexico

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, July 9, 2021

Former middle school health aide charged with possession and distribution of child pornography

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Aaron Leon Happy, 40, of Shiprock, New Mexico, was arraigned in federal court on July 8 on an indictment charging him with possession of child pornography, distribution of child pornography, and transfer of obscene materials to minors.

According to the indictment and other court records, Happy allegedly committed these offenses while employed as a Health Aide with the Central Consolidated School District in Newcomb, New Mexico. On Dec. 15, 2020, the FBI executed a search warrant on Happy’s person, office, and residence. Investigators allegedly found child pornography on one of Happy’s cellular telephones. The investigation revealed that Happy allegedly distributed adult pornography to a student at the middle school and child pornography to another individual using the Facebook messenger application.

An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Happy faces up to life in prison.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI investigated this case with assistance from the FBI Albuquerque’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, the FBI Gallup Resident Agency, the FBI Denver - Durango Resident Agency, the San Juan County (New Mexico) Sheriff’s Office, the Cortez (Colorado) Police Department and the Montezuma County (Colorado) Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas J. Aliberti is prosecuting the case.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-nm/pr/former-middle-school-health-aide-charged-possession-and-distribution-child-pornography

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Western District of Pennsylvania

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, July 9, 2021

Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty to Child Sexual Exploitation Charges

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of production and attempted production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Matthew Gourley, age 49, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on January 6, 2020, Gourley forced Minor A, a minor female victim, to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction, namely, a digital image and a video, depicting Minor A engaging in sexually explicit content.

Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for November 15, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 15 years but not more than 30 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the Court ordered that Gourley remain detained.

Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Allegheny County Police Department, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Gourley.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/pittsburgh-man-pleads-guilty-child-sexual-exploitation-charges-0

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of Puerto Rico

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, July 9, 2021

Crimes Against Children Task Force Arrests 4 Individuals for Sexual Exploitation Offenses

Each defendant was charged separately

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – A federal grand jury in San Juan, Puerto Rico returned the following indictments, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.

Luis X. De Leon-Gonzalez was charged with Possession of Child Pornography and Receipt of Exploitation Material in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 2252A(a)(5)(B) and 2252A(a)(A) and (B) and faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years of in prison for the receipt charge. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daynelle Alvarez is prosecuting the case. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.

Roberto Gonzalez-Medina was charged with violations Distribution and Possession of Child Exploitation Material in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 2252A(a)(2)(A) (Distribution of; 2252 A(a)(5)(B) and (b)(2) and faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison if convicted of the Distribution charge. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michele Colon is the prosecutor assigned to the case. Homeland Security Investigations is the lead investigative agency.

Efrain Orama-Acevedo was charged with Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor, Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography, and Attempted Transfer of Obscene Material to a Minor in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 2422(b), 2252 (a)(2); and 1470(b)(2) respectively. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison for the Coercion and Enticement Count. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenifer Hernandez is prosecuting the case. The investigation was handled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office also filed a criminal complaint against Emmanuel Romero De Jesus charging him with Sexual Exploitation of a Child (Production of Child Exploitation Material), Coercion and Enticement of a Minor, Receipt of Child Sexual Exploitation Material, Transfer of Obscene Material and Interstate Threatening Communications in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 2251 (a), 2422(b), 2252(a)(2), 1470 and 875(d) respectively. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison for the Production of Child Exploitation Material Count. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas W. Cannon is prosecuting the case. The investigation was handled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-pr/pr/crimes-against-children-task-force-arrests-4-individuals-sexual-exploitation-offenses

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Middle District of Florida

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, July 9, 2021

Clay County Man Indicted For Attempting To Entice A 9-Year-Old Child To Engage In Sexual Activity And For Soliciting And Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Videos Over The Internet

Jacksonville, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Karin Hoppmann announced today that Garrett Eric Weber (30, Green Cove Springs) has been arrested and indicted by a federal grand jury for attempting to entice a 9-year-old child to engage in sexual activity, and for soliciting and distributing child sexual abuse videos using the internet. If convicted on all charges, Weber faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, and up to life, in federal prison, a $1 million fine, and a potential life term of supervised release. Weber was arrested on a federal warrant by the Green Cove Springs Police Department during a traffic stop on July 5, 2021. He was detained without bond on July 7, 2021.

According to court documents and evidence proffered at Weber’s detention hearing, in June 2020, Weber, using the name “BUBBLESXD_90,” uploaded an image depicting the sexual abuse of a child to a chat group on a popular social media application (app). Further investigation ultimately resulted in the identification of Weber.

Beginning in March 2021, an undercover FBI agent, posing as the parent of a young child, engaged in online conversation with Weber using the app. After some discussion and being told that the “child” was only nine years old, Weber offered to serve as the “child’s” trainer by engaging in sexual activity with the “child.” He requested that the “parent” take an explicit photo of the “child” for him, and he provided specific instructions on how to accomplish this through various means. On at least seven occasions, Weber sent the “parent” videos over the internet that depicted the sexual abuse of young children in an effort to demonstrate exactly how he planned to molest the “child.”

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Green Cove Springs Police Department, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Winnebago County (Wisconsin) Sheriff’s Office, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Milwaukee and Jacksonville, with assistance from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/clay-county-man-indicted-attempting-entice-9-year-old-child-engage-sexual-activity-and

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Central District of California

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, July 9, 2021

Central Valley Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charge of Transporting Teenager Across State Lines to Engage in Prostitution

SANTA ANA, California – A Stockton man pleaded guilty today to a federal criminal charge accusing him of transporting a teenage girl from Southern California to Nevada and Arizona so she could work as a prostitute for his financial benefit.

Christian Alexander Augustus, 25, a.k.a. “Sir Ceeco,” pleaded guilty to one count of transportation of a minor in interstate commerce to engage in prostitution and criminal sexual activity.

According to his plea agreement, in April 2019, Augustus willfully caused a teenage girl to be transported from Los Angeles County to Las Vegas with the intent that she would engage in prostitution and other criminal sexual activity.

More specifically, from December 2018 to July 2019, Augustus directed the transportation of the victim from Los Angeles and Orange counties to locations – including Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Phoenix – in order for her to work as a prostitute to obtain money for him.

Augustus admitted to forcing the victim to work on the streets and advertising her services on the internet. He also admitted that he collected the money the victim obtained by committing commercial sex acts.

United States District Judge James V. Selna has scheduled a November 29 sentencing hearing, at which time Augustus will face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

The Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force, which is comprised of local law enforcement agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, investigated this matter.

Assistant United States Attorney Jake D. Nare of the Santa Ana Branch Office is prosecuting this case.

The core mission of the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force is using a victim-centered and trauma-informed approach toward the goal of combating human trafficking in Orange County, making the recovery of juvenile victims its top priority.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/pr/central-valley-man-pleads-guilty-federal-charge-transporting-teenager-across-state

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of Maine

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, July 9, 2021

Biddeford Middle School Employee Arrested and Charged with Child Exploitation Offenses

PORTLAND, Maine: A Biddeford man was arrested and charged by criminal complaint today with possession of child pornography and attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor, Acting U.S. Attorney Donald E. Clark announced.

According to court documents, in April 2021, Jesse Kiesel, 48, engaged in an internet chat with an undercover member of law enforcement posing as a 13-year-old girl. During the chat, Kiesel steered the conversation towards the topics of sex and sexual contact, and ultimately transmitted images of his erect penis to the undercover officer. Following the execution of a search warrant at Kiesel’s residence, numerous images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct were recovered from his computer.

Also according to court documents, Kiesel is an employee of Biddeford Middle School with the job title of Ed Tech II.

If convicted, Kiesel faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Kiesel will make an initial appearance via videoconference on July 12 at 2:00 p.m.

Homeland Security Investigations is investigating the case, with assistance from the Biddeford Police Department, the Newbury, Massachusetts Police Department and the United States Marshals Service.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/pr/biddeford-middle-school-employee-arrested-and-charged-child-exploitation-offenses

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of Vermont

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, July 9, 2021

Bristol Man Charged with Possession of Child Pornography

The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that Scott Remick, 46, of Bristol, Vermont, was charged by criminal complaint in United States District Court in Burlington, Vermont, with one count of possession of child pornography. Remick made his initial appearance to answer the complaint on July 8, 2021, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. On July 9, 2021, Judge Doyle denied the government’s motion for detention and ordered Remick released on conditions. Remick is next scheduled to appear in Federal court on July 26, 2021.

According to court records and proceedings, on June 16, 2021, a source of information (SOI), who is a private software developer and security analyst and who is part of a group of individuals involved in analyzing a specific piece of software with a specific security vulnerability, identified a computer with the security vulnerability (the Target Computer). The SOI accessed the Target Computer, including the contents of an encrypted volume mounted on it. The SOI viewed some of the image files in that container and discovered that they depicted child pornography. The SOI also created a text file that contained directories and file names of files located in the encrypted volume. The file names indicated that the files contained sexually explicit content involving children.

The SOI reported its findings to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and to the Vermont State Police (VSP). VSP reached out to special agents with the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). After HSI spoke with the SOI and conducted additional investigation into the suspected user of the Target Computer, Scott Remick, agents obtained a warrant to search remotely electronically stored information at Remick’s residence, and a second warrant to search Remick’s residence.

On July 3, 2021, HSI agents executed the remote search warrant and recovered images of child pornography, as well as items associated with Remick. On July 7, 2021, HSI agents executed the warrant to search Remick’s residence. Agents determined that a self-built computer at the residence was the same one searched pursuant to the remote search warrant. Agents found additional images of child pornography on the self-built computer.

Acting U.S. Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt emphasized that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. If convicted, Remick’s sentence will be determined by the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the impact, if any, of any mandatory minimum prison terms applicable to any count of conviction.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ophardt commended the efforts of Homeland Security Investigations in the investigation of Remick.

Barbara A. Masterson, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont, is handling the prosecution of Remick. The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the District of Vermont has been appointed to represent Remick.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-vt/pr/bristol-man-charged-possession-child-pornography

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Northern District of Oklahoma

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, July 9, 2021

Stilwell Man Charged with Sexual Abuse of a Child in Indian Country

A Stilwell man faces charges after allegedly sexually assaulting a minor in 2017 near Vinita, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

David Anthony Romannose, 44, was charged by criminal complaint with sexual abuse of a child in Indian Country and aggravated sexual abuse in Indian Country. At a hearing on July 6, U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan E. Huntsman ordered the defendant detained while awaiting trial. Romannose is a citizen of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma.

On July 4, 2017, Romannose accompanied a group who were traveling through northeastern Oklahoma after attending a festival in Seiling. While traveling, according to the affidavit, Romannose allegedly sexually assaulted the victim in the backseat of the vehicle. The violation occurred in Indian Country on the Will Rogers Turnpike/Interstate Highway I-44 near Vinita, in Craig County. The victim told investigators she remembered the group stopping at a rest stop in Vinita shortly after the abuse occurred. Romannose reportedly also abused the minor, an Oneida Indian Nation citizen, after the group arrived home in New York. The victim later disclosed the abuse to a counselor and family member.

A criminal complaint is a temporary charge alleging violation of the law. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. For the case to proceed to trial, the United States must present the charge to a federal Grand Jury within 30 days. Once a Grand Jury returns an Indictment, a defendant has a right to a jury trial at which time the United States would have the burden of proving the defendant’s guilt.

The FBI, Oneida Indian Nation Police Department, and Craig County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina S. Gilmore is prosecuting the case.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndok/pr/stilwell-man-charged-sexual-abuse-child-indian-country

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of Maryland

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, July 9, 2021

Carroll County Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Production and Receipt of Child Pornography

Sexually Exploited a Young Girl to Produce Child Pornography

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander sentenced Shon Brian Beck, age 56, of Eldersburg, Maryland, yesterday to 15 years in federal prison, followed by 25 years of supervised release, for the production and receipt of child pornography.

The sentence was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; Acting Special Agent in Charge Rachel Byrd of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Colonel Woodrow W. Jones III, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police.

According to his guilty plea, in September 2001, Beck and his family traveled to Bethany Beach, Delaware, where they shared a condominium with two other families, including the victim’s family. Jane Doe, the victim, was six years old at the time. Beck admitted that he sneaked into the victim’s room and used a digital camera to produce eleven sexually explicit images of the victim.

As detailed in the plea agreement, in 2018, another victim reported that Beck had sexually abused her. The investigation led to the execution of a search warrant at Beck’s residence on March 22, 2019. Law enforcement seized Beck’s computer equipment and digital cameras. Beck’s digital devices were forensically examined. Investigators found the eleven sexually explicit images of Jane Doe, as well as more than 450 images and videos documenting the sexual abuse of minor victims, including prepubescent minors, many of which Beck had downloaded from the Internet.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "Resources" tab on the left of the page.

Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended the FBI and Maryland State Police for their work in the investigation and thanked the Carroll County State’s Attorney’s Office for its assistance. Mr. Lenzner thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Budlow, who prosecuted the federal case.

For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-childhood and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/pr/carroll-county-man-sentenced-15-years-federal-prison-production-and-receipt-child

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of Massachusetts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, July 9, 2021

Dalton Man Pleads Guilty to Child Sexual Exploitation Offenses

BOSTON – A Dalton man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Springfield to child sexual exploitation offenses.

James LaFrance, 65, pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual exploitation of children. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Nov. 19, 2021.

LaFrance admitted that on two separate occasions in 2018 and 2019, he encouraged a 16-year-old girl from Massachusetts, whom he had befriended on the internet, to engage in sexually explicit conduct during video chat sessions. LaFrance recorded the girl’s actions on his computer and provided specific directions as to what she was to do on camera. LaFrance engaged in virtually identical behavior toward a 16-year-old girl from Pennsylvania on two occasions in July 2019.

The charges of sexual exploitation of children each provide for a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 and forfeiture. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Dalton Police Chief Deanna Strout; Marblehead Police Chief Dennis King; and Newbury Police Chief John R. Lucey, Jr. made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex J. Grant of Mendell’s Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/dalton-man-pleads-guilty-child-sexual-exploitation-offenses

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Northern District of New York

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, July 9, 2021

Albany County Man Pleads Guilty to Transporting and Possessing Child Pornography

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Christopher Eberlein, age 54, of Albany, pled guilty today to multiple counts of transportation and possession of child pornography. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Jodi Cohen, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

As part of his guilty plea before United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino, Eberlein admitted that he emailed hundreds of child pornography images and videos to himself from June 2008 through May 2019. He also admitted to possessing child pornography images and videos on three laptops and one thumb drive.

Eberlein faces at least 5 years and up to 20 years in prison, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life, when he is sentenced on November 9, 2021. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. Additionally, Eberlein will be required to register as a sex offender.

This case was investigated by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, with assistance from the New York State Police, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Williams.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndny/pr/albany-county-man-pleads-guilty-transporting-and-possessing-child-pornography

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of Massachusetts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, March 11, 2021

Attleboro Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Charges

Defendant used Snapchat to engage in sexually explicit video-chats with minor children

BOSTON – An Attleboro man pleaded guilty yesterday to receipt and possession of child pornography.

Garry Bienvenue, 58, of Attleboro, pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor and a minor who had not attained 12 years of age. U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor scheduled sentencing for July 12, 2021. On March 12, 2020, Bienvenue was arrested and charged by criminal complaint, and he has been in custody since that time.

Law enforcement learned that an internet user at Bienvenue’s Attleboro home had solicited and received child pornography from children over the internet using the Snapchat messaging application. A search of the home resulted in the seizure of Bienvenue’s smartphone, which was found to contain child pornography videos that had been received through Snapchat, including one depicting the rape of a child as young as 3-5 years old.

The charge of receipt of child pornography provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in prison. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. Each charge also provides for a mandatory minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Attleboro Police Chief Kyle P. Heagney made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna Nuzum of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/attleboro-man-pleads-guilty-child-pornography-charges

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Southern District of Iowa

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, July 12, 2021

Solon Man Sentenced to Prison for Child Pornography Offenses

DAVENPORT, IOWA – A Solon man, Alfredo Alexander Lujan, was sentenced on June 30, 2021, by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose to 144 months in prison for Receipt and Possession of Child Pornography. Lujan was ordered to serve a five-year term of supervised release to follow his prison sentence, pay $200.00 to the Crime Victims’ Fund, and pay a $5,000.00 special assessment in accordance with the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act.

According to court documents, Alfredo Alexander Lujan, age 43, was identified by the Federal Bureau of Investigation as having traded child pornography with an individual in North Carolina. Further investigation revealed they had sent links containing child pornography via the KIK application to one other. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Lujan’s residence and seized multiple electronic devices. Lujan admitted receiving and possessing child pornography. In total, Lujan possessed nearly 200 images and videos depicting child pornography. On February 19, 2021, Lujan pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him.

Acting U.S. Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement.

The FBI investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Childhood” initiative, which was started in 2006 as a nation-wide effort to combine law enforcement investigations and prosecutions, community action, and public awareness in order to reduce the incidence of sexual exploitation of children. Any persons having knowledge of a child being sexually abused are encouraged to call the Iowa Sexual Abuse Hotline at 1-800-284-7821.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdia/pr/solon-man-sentenced-prison-child-pornography-offenses

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of Vermont

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, July 12, 2021

Huntington Man Sentenced for Child Pornography Offense

The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that Louis Hamlin II, 77, of Huntington, Vermont, was sentenced on July 12, 2021, in United States District Court in Rutland, Vermont, to serve 72 months in prison after his guilty plea to one count of knowingly producing with intent to distribute child pornography that is an adapted or morphed depiction of an identifiable minor. Chief U.S. District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford also ordered Hamlin to serve a five (5) year term of supervised release and to pay a $100 special assessment.

According to court records and proceedings, in February 2019, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a Cybertip that someone at a specific IP address in Vermont had uploaded or viewed an image of child pornography. NCMEC referred the Cybertip to the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) for investigation. Thereafter, the ICAC and special agents with Homeland Security Investigations identified the user of the IP address to be Louis Hamlin II. Law enforcement obtained and executed a search warrant at Hamlin’s residence in Huntington, Vermont and discovered images of child pornography on his computer.

As part of his plea agreement, Hamlin admitted that he used a computer that was connected to the Internet, a facility of interstate and foreign commerce, to upload and distribute an image file depicting an identifiable minor that had been modified to make it appear that the child was engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Specifically, Hamlin admitted to taking an image of an identifiable child and cropping and modifying it so particular aspects of the image were highlighted. In doing so, the image created by Hamlin appeared to show the child engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Acting United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the efforts of the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations in the investigation and prosecution of Hamlin. Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara A. Masterson handled the prosecution of Hamlin. Assistant Federal Public Defender David L. McColgin represented Hamlin.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-vt/pr/huntington-man-sentenced-child-pornography-offense

>>14102781

Garry Bienvenue, 59, of Attleboro, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor to 10 years and one month in prison and five years of supervised release.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/attleboro-man-sentenced-child-pornography-offenses

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of Maryland

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, July 12, 2021

Waldorf Air Force Lieutenant Facing Federal Charges for Using a Hidden Camera to Produce Child Pornography

Allegedly Planted Hidden Cameras in the Bathrooms of Several Homes to Record Minor Females Undressing, Showering, and Using the Bathroom

Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal criminal complaint has been filed charging U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Jason Daniel Ort, age 36, of Waldorf, Maryland, with possession and production of child pornography. The criminal complaint was filed on June 16, 2021 and unsealed on July 7, 2021 after Ort’s arrest and initial appearance in U.S District Court in Greenbelt, Maryland. Ort is detained pending trial.

The criminal complaint was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Brigadier General Terry Bullard, Commander Air Force Office of Special Investigations.

According to the criminal complaint, Ort was arrested in Syracuse, New York on October 2, 2020 for unlawful surveillance after an adult complainant informed law enforcement that they noticed a small camera placed in their bedroom on October 1, 2020. Upon further inspection, the complainant located an SD card which the complainant removed from the camera and reviewed. The complainant advised law enforcement that there was video content on the SD card allegedly depicting a minor female victim between the ages of five and eight-years-old using the restroom and showing Ort entering the bathroom and adjusting the camera.

As detailed in the criminal complaint affidavit, on October 6, 2020 an Onondaga County Court Judge issued a warrant to search Ort’s personal laptop and SD card. Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office detectives allegedly observed a video on the SD card that depicted a minor female victim between the ages of eight and ten years of age undressing and showering. Additionally, a forensic review of Ort’s laptop allegedly revealed hundreds of images of minor females in various sexual poses, child sexual abuse material, and several videos of child pornography depicting prepubescent children. A review of Ort’s SD card allegedly contained six videos of child pornography, including a ten-minute video that depicted two minor victims bathing in the shower with the assistance of an adult female.

On November 16, 2020, the Charles County Sheriff’s Office and OSI executed a search warrant at Ort’s Waldorf, Maryland residence. During the execution of the search warrant, law enforcement allegedly recovered multiple devices including two external hard drives and a laptop. A federal search warrant was subsequently executed on Ort’s seized devices. The affidavit alleges that law enforcement recovered several videos of minor victims recorded on a hidden bathroom camera as well as a compilation video comprised of adult females using the restroom. A review of the second external hard drive allegedly revealed key word searches of the terms related to child pornography. Lastly, investigators allegedly discovered a web history event for a website titled “Citizen’s Guide to U.S. Federal Law on Child Pornography”.

If convicted, Ort faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and a maximum sentence of 30 years for production of child pornography as well as a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for possession of child pornography. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended the FBI and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations for their work in the investigation. Mr. Lenzner thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Collins who is prosecuting the federal case.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/pr/waldorf-air-force-lieutenant-facing-federal-charges-using-hidden-camera-produce-child

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of Montana

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, July 12, 2021

Texas man suspected of sexually assaulting minor girl on flight to Bozeman appears in court

MISSOULA – A Texas man suspected of sexually assaulting a minor girl while on a flight from Austin, Texas, to Bozeman had an initial appearance on a criminal complaint today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

The criminal complaint accuses Vincent Harry Kopacek, 76, of Fredericksburg, Texas, of three federal crimes: attempted sexual abuse of a minor, abusive sexual contact and assault within maritime and territorial jurisdiction. If convicted of the most serious crime, Kopacek faces a maximum 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release.

A criminal complaint is only an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Kopacek was detained pending further proceedings.

According to the criminal complaint and documents filed in support of the complaint, on July 9, the FBI was contacted by an officer with the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport Public Safety Office that the previous night, on July 8, a 15-year-old girl had been assaulted while on an aircraft from Austin to Bozeman. Upon departing the airport, the girl reported the incident to her family, who then contacted law enforcement.

The court documents allege that the girl was seated in a window seat, which was fully upright during the flight, and that Kopacek was sitting directly behind the girl’s seat. Kopacek allegedly reached his hand around the girl’s seat between her seat and the interior wall of the aircraft and touched the girl’s body. The girl documented the alleged activity with her cell phone. The activity took place from prior to takeoff in Austin to before landing in Bozeman.

FBI agents arrested Kopacek in Bozeman on July 11 when he checked in for his flight departing the airport.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee L. Peterson is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office and the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport Public Safety Office.

PACER case reference. 21-072.

The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-mt/pr/texas-man-suspected-sexually-assaulting-minor-girl-flight-bozeman-appears-court

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Central District of California

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, July 12, 2021

Whittier Man Sentenced to Nearly 20 Years in Child Pornography Case

LOS ANGELES – A federal judge today imposed a prison sentence of nearly 20 years on a Whittier man who admitted exchanging child pornography – some of which involved infants and toddlers – with others on the internet.

Fred Joseph Stecher Jr., 29, was sentenced to serve 235 months in a federal prison for distribution of child pornography. Once he completes his sentence, Stecher will be placed on supervised release for the rest of his life. United States District Judge R. Gary Klausner also ordered Stecher to pay a total of $55,000 in restitution to 11 victims.

Stecher – who used several online aliases, including “smellyguy1991” and “little_tyke1991” – pleaded guilty in March to one count of distributing child pornography, which followed a prior conviction for possession of child pornography. “Despite multiple search warrants executed at his home, his probationary sentence, jail time, and completion of a sex offender treatment program, [Stecher] still committed the [latest] child exploitation offenses, demonstrating his lack of impulse control and his lack of respect for the law,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum.

During the investigation into Stecher, authorities executed a search warrant on his Yahoo! email account and found 1,263 unique images and 65 unique videos containing child pornography.

“Some of the videos and images depicted minor victims under the age of 12 being used for sexual acts, including infants and toddlers,” Stecher admitted in his plea agreement. “Some of the videos and images portrayed sadistic or masochistic sexual conduct, specifically bondage, involving minor children.”

Stecher used his Yahoo! email account to distribute the child pornography he obtained on the internet. The sentencing memo notes how Stecher engaged in online chats with other individuals interested in child pornography, discussing the types of children he liked in lurid detail and at times pretending that the children pictured were his own.

The case against Stecher was investigated by the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Los Angeles Police Department as part of the Los Angeles Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Assistant United States Attorney Kathy Yu of the Violent and Organized Crime Section prosecuted this case.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/pr/whittier-man-sentenced-nearly-20-years-child-pornography-case

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Western District of New York

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, July 12, 2021

Jamestown Man Pleads Guilty To Enticement Of Minor

CONTACT: Barbara Burns

PHONE: (716) 843-5817

FAX #: (716) 551-3051

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Richard LaFrance, 35, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty, before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr., to enticement of a minor, which carries a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $250,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A. C. Penrose, who is handling the case, stated that the defendant, who was 34 years-old at the time, met a 14-year-old minor victim in April of 2019, and began communicating with her via email and text message. The communications between LaFrance and the Minor Victim were sexually explicit and included the defendant requesting that the Minor Victim send him naked pictures. In addition, LaFrance met up with the Minor Victim on at least two occasions and engaged in sexual intercourse.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia, and the Chautauqua County Sherriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James B. Quattrone.

Sentencing is scheduled for November 9, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. before Judge Sinatra.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/jamestown-man-pleads-guilty-enticement-minor

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Central District of Illinois

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, July 12, 2021

Decatur Man Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison for Child Sex Crimes

URBANA, Ill. – Courtney Williams, 32, of the 3500 block of Plover Dr. in Decatur, Ill., was sentenced today to 324 months (27 years) in federal prison for child sexual exploitation offenses.

On March 11, 2021, Williams entered a plea of guilty to the indictment, which charged that for the time period between Jan. 17, 2020, and Jan. 25, 2020, Williams used the internet and a cell phone to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity that qualified as aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

According to court documents, Williams portrayed himself as a 17-year-old male while communicating online with a minor girl via Snapchat and text. As part of these communications, Williams solicited the girl to send him sexually explicit photos and to meet him to engage in sexual activity. Further, Williams lured the minor into his vehicle on the evening of Jan. 24, 2020, and took her to his residence where he gave her drugs which caused her to lose consciousness. While the minor girl was unconscious, Williams sexually assaulted her.

Williams has been in the custody of the U.S. Marshals since his arrest on Feb. 7, 2020.

Following Williams’s release from prison, he will be on federal supervised release for 10 years and will be required to register as a sex offender.

The charges were investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Decatur Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elly M. Peirson represented the government in the prosecution.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdil/pr/decatur-man-sentenced-27-years-prison-child-sex-crimes

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Central District of Illinois

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, July 12, 2021

Rantoul Man Sentenced to 150 Months in Prison for Child Pornography Crimes

URBANA, Ill. –Dwayne White, 56, of the 1300 block of Briarcliff Dr., in Rantoul, Ill., was sentenced today to 150 months (12 1/2 years) in federal prison for distribution and possession of child pornography.

On March 8, 2021, White entered a plea of guilty to the indictment. The indictment charged White with two counts of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography between April 2, 2020, and June 18, 2020. White has been in the custody of the U.S. Marshals since his arrest on June 18, 2020.

Following White’s release from prison, he will be on federal supervised release for 10 years and will be required to register as a sex offender.

The charges were investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement; the Champaign County Sherriff’s Office; and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force led by the Illinois Attorney General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elly M. Peirson represented the government in the prosecution.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdil/pr/rantoul-man-sentenced-150-months-prison-child-pornography-crimes

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of New Hampshire

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Weare Man Sentenced to 36 Months for Possession of Child Pornography

CONCORD - Stacey Colburn, 45, of Weare, was sentenced on Monday to 36 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

According to court documents and statements made in court, during an ongoing investigation, investigators identified a specific yahoo.com email address associated with the receipt of child pornography. The I.P. address for the user of the email address was subscribed to by Colburn at his residence in Weare. On January 25, 2019, Colburn met with investigators at the Weare Police Department. He admitted the email address was his and that he was the only individual who accessed the account.

After obtaining a search warrant for Colburn’s home and cellphone, investigators seized his laptop and external hard drive, which contained thousands of images and videos of child pornography.

Colburn previously pleaded guilty on February 24, 2021. In addition to his prison sentence, Colburn was ordered to pay $21,000 in restitution.

“Those who possess child pornography are perpetuating the sexual exploitation of the minors depicted in the images,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “In order to protect innocent children from exploitation, we work closely with our federal, state, and local partners to identify and prosecute the criminals who produce, distribute or possess child pornography.”

“With today’s sentence, Stacey Colburn has been held accountable for possessing thousands of images, and more than a hundred videos, that have robbed innocent children of their childhood,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Sadly, this case is one of many that illustrates the FBI’s commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to identify other predators like him and prevent them from victimizing more children.”

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Weare Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-nh/pr/weare-man-sentenced-36-months-possession-child-pornography

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of South Carolina

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Repeat Offender from Mount Pleasant Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Child Pornography

Charleston, South Carolina—- Acting United States Attorney M. Rhett DeHart stated today that Zachary Scott Fasola, 33, of Mount Pleasant, was sentenced to more than ten years in federal prison for possession of child pornography, marking the second federal conviction and sentence for possession of child pornography for Fasola, with his first being in 2016.

Evidence presented in court showed that, on May 16, 2018, the South Carolina Attorney General's Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) section received a CyberTipline Report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which had been notified by Facebook of alleged criminal activity on their servers related to a particular email address.

On January 24, 2019, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the residence associated with the email address, which was Fasola’s residence. At the residence, Fasola admitted to downloading child pornography from the internet. Law enforcement seized multiple electronic devices, on which 24 videos and 140 images of child pornography were found, including depictions of prepubescent children engaged in sexual activity with adults.

United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel of Charleston sentenced Fasola to 121 months imprisonment and lifetime supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Judge Gergel also ordered Fasola to pay special assessments of $100 and $5,000.

The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Dean H. Secor prosecuted the case.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sc/pr/repeat-offender-mount-pleasant-sentenced-more-10-years-federal-prison-possession-child

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of Maryland

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Suitland Man Pleads Guilty to Coercion and Enticement of a Minor

Picked Up a 14-Year Old Minor to Engage in Sexual Relations

Greenbelt, Maryland – Sean Levan Henson, age 28, of Suitland, Maryland pleaded guilty today to coercion and enticement of a minor.

The plea was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; Acting Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Chief Russell E. Hamill III of the Laurel Police Department; and Chief Eric L. Reiley of the Woodstock Virginia Police Department.

According to his guilty plea, in February 2019, Henson used various social media platforms to communicate with a 14-year old female victim residing in Shenandoah County, Virginia. Henson sent numerous sexual messages to the underaged victim using the screenname “stayreel2you”. For example, on February 15, 2019 Henson sent a message stating “I’m gonna take my time and appreciate you and make love to that body.”

As detailed in his plea agreement, on February 22, 2019, Henson traveled to Shenandoah County, Virginia where he picked up the victim for the purpose of transporting her to Maryland and engaging in sexual activity. On February 23, 2019, Henson engaged in sexual intercourse with the victim in Laurel, Maryland. Henson subsequently paid for a ride-sharing service to transport the female victim back to Shenandoah County, Virginia. The victim’s parents reported the victim as a missing person and gave a statement to law enforcement implicating Henson in her disappearance.

On March 6, 2019, law enforcement communicated with Henson by telephone. At that time Henson admitted he was aware the victim was 14 years-old and that he had been communicating with the victim for two months with the intention of a romantic relationship. Henson also informed law enforcement he picked up the victim at a Virginia gas station before he proceeded to Maryland where he engaged in sexual intercourse with the victim in Maryland.

Henson and the government have agreed that, if the Court accepts the plea agreement, Henson will be sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge George J. Hazel has scheduled sentencing for October 19, 2021 at 2 p.m.

Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended the FBI, the Laurel Police Department, and the Woodstock Virginia Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Lenzner thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy F. Hagan who is prosecuting the federal case.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/pr/suitland-man-pleads-guilty-coercion-and-enticement-minor

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Northern District of Florida

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Georgia Woman Sentenced To Twenty-Five Years On Charges Of Production And Distribution Of Child Pornography

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – On Friday afternoon, a federal judge in Tallahassee sentenced Madison King, 23, of Nashville, Georgia, to 25 years in prison on charges of conspiracy to produce, distribute, possess, and receive child pornography. The sentence, which followed her guilty plea last year, was announced by Jason R. Coody, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

Court documents reflect, in July 2019, representatives of local, state, and federal law enforcement executed a search warrant at the Tallahassee residence of King’s co-defendant, Gregory Johnson. While conducting the search, authorities found messages on Johnson’s phone that demonstrated Johnson and King had conspired to produce child pornography. The recovered evidence included short video clips and pictures that King had taken and transmitted to Johnson depicting the sexual abuse of a toddler. Florida investigators quickly obtained emergency legal process to locate King and contacted their Georgia counterparts. That same day, agents with Homeland Security Investigations, in concert with the Berrien County (Georgia) Sheriff’s Office, executed a search of King’s Nashville, Georgia residence, whereupon the child was rescued.

King’s co-defendant, Johnson, has also pleaded guilty to the federal charges. Johnson is scheduled to be sentenced on September 14, 2021, before Chief United States District Judge Mark Walker.

“There is no greater charge than the protection of our children,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Coody. “Acts of such depravity, committed by a caregiver, are both horrific and incomprehensible. Our law enforcement partners are to be commended for the swift, multi-state investigation, which resulted in the immediate rescue of this child, preventing further abuse.”

“During the course of this investigation, a child was saved from this predator thanks to HSI partnerships in our offices in Philadelphia, Atlanta, and here in Tallahassee,” said HSI Tampa Assistant Special Agent in Charge Micah McCombs.

“There is no crime worse than the crimes against our children,” said Berrien County Sheriff Ray Paulk. “I would like to thank our investigators and our District Attorney’s Office for acting swiftly and efficiently in this case to ensure the safety of this child. I also want to thank all of the local, state, and federal law enforcement that worked together in making a case like this priority.”

This conviction was the result of an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Assistant United States Attorneys Meredith L. Steer and Michelle Spaven prosecuted the case.

The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl/pr/georgia-woman-sentenced-twenty-five-years-charges-production-and-distribution-child

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Northern District of Iowa

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Mental Health Therapist Pleads Guilty to Enticing Minor

A Monticello woman, who enticed a minor to engage in sexual activity, pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Miranda Breeden, age 46, pled guilty to one count of enticement of a minor. At the plea hearing, Breeden admitted that between November 2019 and January 2020, she used a cell phone to entice an individual under the age of 18 years old to engage in an illegal sex act. Breeden admitted that based on the sexual activity that occurred, she could have been charged with sexual abuse in the third degree in Iowa state court.

A criminal complaint filed in August 2020 alleged that Breeden was a mental health therapist for a school in the Cedar Rapids area in the fall of 2019 through at least January 2020. During that time, Breeden counseled a 14-year old male and the two engaged in a sexual relationship. Investigators located multiple Facebook messages between Breeden and the 14-year old, wherein Breeden arranged to meet the child for sex. In December 2019, investigators determined that Breeden went to Theisen’s in Cedar Rapids and purchased a firearm for the 14-year old.

Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Breeden remains in custody of the United States Marshal. Breeden faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life, a $250,000 fine, and at least 5 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth Dupuich and Ashley Corkery and was investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Unit, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.

The case file number is 20-CR-65.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndia/pr/mental-health-therapist-pleads-guilty-enticing-minor

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of New Jersey

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Paterson Man Sentenced to 95 Months in Prison for Coercion and Enticement of Minor

NEWARK, N.J. – A Passaic County man was sentenced today to 95 months in prison for coercion and enticement of a minor and for illegally re-entering the United States, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Juan Carlos Morales Pedraza, 35, of Paterson, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Stanley R. Chesler to a superseding information charging him with coercion and enticement of a minor and of illegally re-entering the United States after having previously been deported. Judge Chesler imposed the sentence by videoconference today.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

On April 13, 2019, Morales Pedraza approached a 15-year-old victim in Passaic County. Two days later, after engaging in sexual intercourse with the victim, Morales Pedraza and the victim left the New Jersey, with plans to travel to Illinois. Morales Pedraza admitted that he planned to engage in sexual conduct with the victim in Illinois. Law enforcement arrested Morales Pedraza in Ohio.

Morales Pedraza admitted that he is a citizen of Mexico and that he illegally entered the United States after having previously been deported.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Chesler sentenced Morales Pedraza to three years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark; the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office’s Sexual Investigations Unit, under the direction of Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes, and investigators with the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Lake Township Police Department in Lake Township, Ohio, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francesca Liquori of the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/paterson-man-sentenced-95-months-prison-coercion-and-enticement-minor

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Middle District of Florida

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Jacksonville Man Sentenced To 64 Years In Federal Prison For Soliciting The Production And Posting Of Child Sex Abuse Images And Videos On Motherhood Blog Websites

Jacksonville, Florida – United States District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Colum Patrick Moran, Jr. (43, Jacksonville) to 64 years in federal prison for attempting to entice minors to produce images and videos depicting child sexual abuse and for possessing materials depicting the sexual exploitation of children on his electronic devices. Moran was also ordered to serve a lifetime term of supervised release and to register as a sex offender.

A federal jury had found Moran guilty on March 10, 2021.

According to court documents, as well as evidence and testimony during the three-day trial, between 2015 and late 2018, Moran, using the name “Emily lover,” posted comments to numerous internet motherhood blog websites. These websites are designed and intended to offer and share helpful information about motherhood, childcare, useful commercial products, and other topics related to family life. During this period, Moran repeatedly posted sexually explicit comments that targeted mothers and their young children by name on these blogs. Further, Moran intentionally posted graphic comments on these blogs requesting that the mothers produce and post images and videos of their children engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

On March 6, 2019, FBI agents and other law enforcement officers executed a federal search warrant at Moran’s apartment in Jacksonville. During this search, law enforcement seized several smart phones and computers containing more than 1,000 images and videos depicting very young children, including infants and toddlers, being sexually abused. One of the smart phones had been used by Moran to access numerous motherhood blog websites and contained images of sexually explicit postings made by Moran with the usernames “Emily lover” and “Anonymous.” Agents also seized a plastic storage bin that contained a collection of children’s underwear, as well as several firearms, ammunition, and a bulletproof vest with Velcro law enforcement identification patches.

“This case demonstrates the lengths that predators will go to target innocent children online, and reveals the havoc placed on their families,” said Rachel L. Rojas, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division. “While the FBI, in general, does not comment on specific websites or apps, we want parents to be aware of the risks and vulnerabilities posed by websites and apps that offer interactive communication capabilities to include video live-streaming and image sharing functionalities. While some predators target children directly for this content, this subject went a step further and also targeted parents, leaving many of them absolutely terrified. The FBI encourages online users to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.”

This case was the result of a nationwide investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Jacksonville and Los Angeles, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, with assistance from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in Alexandria, Virginia. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/jacksonville-man-sentenced-64-years-federal-prison-soliciting-production-and-posting

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Western District of New York

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Registered Sex Offender Arrested on Child Pornography Charge

CONTACT: Barbara Burns

PHONE: (716) 843-5817

FAX #: (716) 551-3051

BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Matthew Bald, 40, of Lockport, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor. The charge carries a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, lifetime supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Rudroff, who is handling the case, stated that in November 2020, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) contacted the New York State Police (NYSP) after receiving a Cybertipline Report involving an image of a suspected sexual performance by a child. The NYSP contacted Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the image was traced to the residence of the defendant, who is a registered Level 2 sex offender following his March 2011 conviction for Sexual Abuse in the First Degree.

On December 15, 2020, the NYSP, Niagara County Probation, and HSI executed a state search warrant at the defendant’s Lockport residence. During the execution of the search warrant, several digital items were located and seized, including a laptop computer and hard drive. Analysis of those items revealed numerous files of suspected child pornography.

The defendant made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was released on conditions.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major James Hall, the Niagara County Probation Department, under the direction of Director John Cicchetti, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/registered-sex-offender-arrested-child-pornography-charge

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of Alaska

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Former Bethel Principal Sentenced to 15 Years for Trying to Sexually Entice a Minor

ANCHORAGE – A Bethel, Alaska, man was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Timothy M. Burgess to 15 years in federal prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release for trying to sexually entice a minor.

According to court documents Christopher Allen Carmichael, 57, a former principal working in the Lower Kuskokwim School District in Bethel, pled guilty in November 2020 to attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity.

Carmichael became the subject of a federal investigation in November 2019 when the Bethel Police Department contacted the FBI concerning Carmichael’s online activities. During the investigation, Carmichael began engaging in graphic sexual communications with an undercover FBI agent posing as a fictional 13-year-old girl. In a series of text messages in December 2019, Carmichael graphically described several sexually explicit acts he would do to her. Carmichael continued to remind the fictional 13-year-old girl to delete their messages and that it was important they keep referring to her like she was 18 so that he wouldn’t get into trouble.

“With today’s sentencing we have removed this predator from the community and sent a resounding message that we are committed to aggressively prosecuting anyone who seeks to exploit children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Wilson, District of Alaska.

“No child should ever have to go through this. Parents and communities entrusted Carmichael with a great responsibility, but he abused that position of trust in the most disgraceful way imaginable,” said Robert Britt, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Carmichael will now be held accountable for his horribly disturbing conduct.”

The FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, the Bethel Police Department, the Alaska State Troopers, and the Anchorage Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Doty prosecuted the case.

This case is part of the Rural Alaska Anti-Violence Enforcement Network (RAAVEN) initiative to increase engagement, coordination and action on public safety in Alaska Native communities. Led

by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, it encourages extensive collaboration among law enforcement at all levels, rural communities, Alaska Native groups, victim service organizations and care providers.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ak/pr/former-bethel-principal-sentenced-15-years-trying-sexually-entice-minor

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Eastern District of Virginia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Virginia Man Sentenced for Production of Child Pornography

NORFOLK, Va. – A Southampton County man was sentenced today to 40 years in prison for producing and possessing images of child sexual abuse.

James William Thomas, III, 36, was found guilty by a jury on February 13, 2020, of seven counts of production of child pornography and three counts of possession of child pornography. According to court records, Thomas’s crimes were discovered in 2014 after he was caught burglarizing a coin shop in Franklin. Southampton County investigators obtained a search warrant for Thomas’s residence and seized evidence related to over 25 unsolved burglaries in Virginia and North Carolina. Part of this seizure included computers and other digital storage devices.

The evidence presented at trial showed that a review of these electronic devices revealed the presence of child pornography. Moreover, investigators found detailed folders on the devices with names of child victims and saved chat sessions. Over multiple years, Thomas, then in his late 20s, posed as a 17-year-old teen and befriended female victims on social media who were generally between the ages of 12-16. Thomas then groomed these victims and convinced them to produce naked images of themselves to send to him. In some instances, he convinced them to masturbate over a webcam, which Thomas recorded and saved. Thomas saved these chat sessions and the images in the folders on the electronic devices.

The evidence adduced at trial further demonstrated that Thomas chatted online with dozens of minor victims. To keep track of them, he employed a “cheat sheet” at the top of the saved chat sessions for each victim, which contained information including their name, age, phone number, and other facts, such as how easily they provided him with naked images. In one instance, he convinced a 14-year-old girl to meet him for sex on three separate occasions. Each time, Thomas had the victim pose naked for photographs and then recorded their sexual encounters.

Raj Parekh, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph L. Kosky prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:18-cr-58.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edva/pr/virginia-man-sentenced-production-child-pornography

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Western District of Missouri

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Taney County Man Pleads Guilty to Sexually Assaulting Children, Child Pornography

Husband, Wife Each Face At Least 15 Years in Prison

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Merriam Village, Missouri, man pleaded guilty in federal court today to sexually assaulting two young children to produce child pornography, and to receiving and distributing child pornography, after his wife pleaded guilty to the same charges last month.

Mark John Millman, 37, a citizen of Great Britain and a legal alien resident, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to one count of the sexual exploitation of minors and one count of receiving and distributing child pornography.

Millman’s wife and co-defendant, Tara Sau Millman, 41, pleaded guilty to the same charges on June 30, 2021. Both Mark and Tara Millman have been in federal custody since their arrest and remain detained without bail.

The Millmans admitted that Mark used Tara’s iPhone to record video of her performing a sexual act on a 2-year-old child, identified in court documents as John Doe. Mark Millman admitted that he sexually assaulted a 4-year-old child victim, identified in court documents as Jane Doe, which was also recorded on video. Investigators found images and videos of child pornography on the Millmans’ iPhones, including files that depicted the Millmans sexually assaulting both child victims.

Mark and Tara Millman each admitted they used a social media application to share child pornography over the internet, and that they viewed child pornography together.

The investigation began when agents with Homeland Security Investigations in San Diego, California, began investigating users of a cloud storage platform (identified in court documents as “Cloud Platform A”). The cloud platform provides encrypted, cloud-based services that enable private, secure online storage, communication, and collaboration for business and individuals. During the investigation, the agents accessed a weblink to an encrypted chat room with approximately 145 registered users. Files containing child pornography were uploaded/posted by participants in the chat room. Many users were actively involved in the distribution of child pornography. The child pornography distributed within the chat included 129 video files, 324 image files, and 43 cloud-storage weblinks which contained files of child pornography.

Mark Millman’s email was identified among the registered users of the chat room, and a search warrant was executed at the Millmans’ residence in Taney County, Mo., on Jan. 28, 2021.

Under federal statutes, Mark and Tara Millman each are subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of 50 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing hearings will be scheduled upon the completion of presentence investigations by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmo/pr/taney-county-man-pleads-guilty-sexually-assaulting-children-child-pornography

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Northern District of Illinois

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Federal Indictment Accuses Chicago Man of Producing Child Pornography

CHICAGO — A Chicago man who allegedly used and attempted to use several minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct and surreptitiously recorded it has been indicted on federal child pornography charges.

MICHAEL PORTER, 55, is charged with seven counts of production and attempted production of child pornography, two counts of receipt of child pornography, and one count of possession of electronic devices containing child pornography, according to an indictment returned Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Chicago. Arraignment is set for July 22, 2021, at 11:00 a.m., before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey T. Gilbert.

According to the charges, Porter produced the child pornography after using, persuading, inducing, and enticing several minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct. He also possessed four hard drives, a cell phone, and a laptop computer that contained pornographic images of a prepubescent minor and a minor who had not attained 12 years of age, the indictment states.

The indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Totten.

The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Each production count is punishable by a minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and a maximum of 30 years. Each receipt count is punishable by a minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of 20 years. The possession count carries a maximum sentence of ten years. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.

If you believe you are a victim of sexual exploitation by Michael Porter, you are encouraged to contact the FBI Chicago Field Office by calling 1-312-421-6700.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndil/pr/federal-indictment-accuses-chicago-man-producing-child-pornography

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Western District of Missouri

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

KC Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Child Pornography

Solicited Young Victims to Perform Sex Acts Via Live Streaming

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today on child pornography charges after he solicited young victims to engage in sex acts while live streaming over the internet.

Robert P. Salapuddin, 39, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to 12 years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Salapuddin to spend the rest of his life on supervised release following incarceration.

On Sept. 10, 2020, Salapuddin pleaded guilty to one count of receiving child pornography over the internet and one count of possessing child pornography. Salapuddin admitted that he received a pornographic video of a minor victim on Jan. 3, 2016. He also admitted that he possessed images of child pornography on both his laptop and desktop computers on Jan. 11, 2017.

The investigation began when law enforcement received an anonymous tip that Salapuddin was soliciting young girls to perform sex acts for him via a live streaming app. When officers contacted Salapuddin at his residence on Jan. 11, 2017, they determined that he received and possessed a collection of child pornography. He admitted to using various internet apps to receive and possess videos and images of teenage girls as young as 13 engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

Investigators found more than 35 videos of child pornography on Salapuddin’s computers, many of which appeared to be recordings from web cams or chat programs. They also discovered more than 250 images (some duplicates) of possible child pornography. Investigators found thousands of messages on Salapuddin’s iPhones, including message strings that mentioned the user was under the age of 18. More than 1,000 photos of teenage girls and cell phone screen shots were organized into folders with girls' names and/or the term "nudes." The photos often depicted the subject in a series of photos, both clothed, then naked.

For example, investigators discovered a video of a live stream chat between a minor female as she bathed and someone who sounded like Salapuddin on Jan. 11, 2017. They discussed makeup and the girl being just 16 years old. As the girl gets out of the tub, the male off camera voice is heard to say: “Now Rob gets to dress you.”

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Barnes. It was investigated by the FBI and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmo/pr/kc-man-sentenced-12-years-child-pornography

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of Massachusetts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Upton Man Arrested on Possession of Child Pornography Charge

BOSTON – An Upton man was arrested and charged today in federal court in Worcester for possessing child pornography.

Matthew Stefanelli, 31, was charged with one count of possession of child pornography. Following an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge David H. Hennessey this afternoon, Stefanelli was detained pending a detention hearing set for July 19, 2021.

According to the charging documents, on Jan. 6, 2021, agents seized several electronic devices from Stefanelli’s residence. A forensic review of the devices revealed images of child pornography saved in an encrypted application designed to appear as a calculator.

The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Upton Police Chief Michael J. Bradley Jr. made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Noto of Mendell’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/upton-man-arrested-possession-child-pornography-charge

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of Wyoming

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

FORT WASHAKIE CHILD PREDATOR SENTENCED TO 175 MONTHS IN PRISON

Acting United States Attorney Bob Murray announced today that AVERY FITZGERALD BROWN, 27, of Fort Washakie, Wyoming was sentenced to 175 months of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Scott W. Skavdahl. In a change of plea hearing held on April 28, 2021, Brown pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact of a minor. According to court records, the abuse occurred on the Wind River Indian Reservation, beginning in March of 2006 and lasting until October 2020, when one of the victims disclosed in a letter to a physician with the Indian Health Service multiple instances of sexual assault by Brown.

“This case demonstrates the incredible work performed by dedicated federal agents and community members who stood up for the victims and worked tirelessly to bring this abhorrent individual to justice,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bob Murray. “It takes courage for any victim – especially child victims – to come forward and disclose sexual abuse. We should all be thankful that a young girl bravely spoke up and helped stop this defendant from hurting any other children.”

“The FBI and our local, state, tribal and federal partners work tirelessly to investigate and bring to justice individuals engaged in the exploitation and sexual abuse of minors. With this sentence, a dangerous child predator has been removed from the community with a clear message that sexual abuse of our vulnerable youth will not be tolerated,” said Denver FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael Schneider. “We are grateful to the dedication of our partners at the Wind River Police Department and the U.S. Attorney's Office for their efforts in this case and our shared commitment to protecting children.”

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Special Agent Adrianne N. Jahnke. Assistant United States Kerry J. Jacobson prosecuted the case.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wy/pr/fort-washakie-child-predator-sentenced-175-months-prison

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Southern District of New York

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Aquilino Torres Convicted Of Kidnapping And Stalking

Audrey Strauss, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that AQUILINO TORRES was convicted of kidnapping, kidnapping of a minor, and stalking for the October 2020 kidnapping and stalking of an adult female victim (“Victim-1”) and the kidnapping of Victim-1’s 7-year-old son (“Minor Victim-1”). TORRES was convicted following a one-week jury trial before U.S. District Judge Denise L. Cote.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “Aquilino Torres threatened to kill a 7-year-old child in carrying out a brutal kidnapping of the child and his mother. Torres then held his victims captive and physically abused both mother and child. Thanks to the FBI and NYPD, Torres was apprehended, prosecuted, and now stands convicted of these horrific crimes.”

As reflected in the Indictment, documents previously filed in the case, and evidence introduced at trial:

On or about October 5, 2020, TORRES texted and called Victim-1 hundreds of times, including a text threatening to “kick [Minor Victim-1’s] teeth out.” Later that night, TORRES took Victim-1 and Minor Victim-1 to a motel in the Bronx, where he hit Minor Victim-1 in the face and assaulted Victim-1, breaking her jaw. While TORRES assaulted Victim-1, he told Victim-1, in sum and substance, that he would hang Victim-1 and that Minor Victim-1 would be found dead in the river. For the next five days, TORRES held Victim-1 and Minor Victim-1 against their will at an apartment in Washington Heights, without medical treatment for Victim-1’s broken jaw. On or about October 10, 2020, Victim-1 and Minor Victim-1 escaped from the apartment and were admitted to a hospital shortly thereafter. In response to their escape, between on or about October 10, 2020, and on or about October 13, 2020, TORRES once again sent Victim-1 hundreds of threatening text messages and called Victim-1 hundreds of times. For example, TORRES texted Victim-1, in sum and substance, that, if he made the decision to go looking for her, “there won’t be turning back.” TORRES followed through on those threats and attempted to track down Victim-1 and Minor Victim-1 after they escaped.

* * *

TORRES, 27, was found guilty of (i) one count of kidnapping, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1201(a)(1) and (b), which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, (ii) one count of kidnapping of a minor, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1201(a)(1), (b), and (g), which carries a maximum sentence of life and a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years, and (iii) one count of stalking, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 2261A(2)(A) and (B), 2261(b)(3), and 2265A, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years.

Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI-NYPD Violent Crimes Task Force.

This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys David J. Robles, Sarah L. Kushner, and Andrew S. Dember, and paralegal specialist Ariella Fetman, are in charge of the prosecution.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/aquilino-torres-convicted-kidnapping-and-stalking

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Western District of Louisiana

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Many, Louisiana Man Convicted of Kidnapping and Interstate Domestic Violence

SHREVEPORT, La. – A federal jury returned a guilty verdict today against Dillon James Merritt, 54, of Many, Louisiana, charging him with kidnapping, interstate domestic violence and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced. United States District Judge Donald E. Walter presided over the trial.

Evidence introduced at trial this week revealed that on December 12, 2017, Merritt kidnapped a woman in Natchitoches, Louisiana, and took her across state lines to Texas and held her against her will from December 12, 2017 through December 16, 2017. Testimony at trial showed that Merritt and the woman (victim) briefly dated in the fall of 2017, but after Merritt punched the victim in the stomach following an argument, the victim severed the relationship with Merritt. Following the breakup, he continually called the victim and harassed her.

During the evening hours of December 12, 2017, Merritt found the victim walking back home from visiting with a friend near the Walmart parking lot in Natchitoches and struck her in the head and put her in a truck and left. The victim was bound and gagged and hidden under clothing in the vehicle and for the next several days, was taken by Merritt to various locations in Louisiana and remote locations in Texas near Toledo Bend. Merritt repeatedly raped the victim, doused her with lighter fluid and tried to set her on fire, and severely beat her with his fists, elbows, feet and with a Maglite flashlight over this four-day period causing serious bodily injury to the victim. In addition to the brutal beatings, aggravated sexual assault, and sexual abuse on the victim committed by Merritt, he possessed with the intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine.

“The severe brutality and sexual abuse inflicted by this defendant on the victim was pure evil,” stated Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook. “No one deserves to be treated in this manner and justice has prevailed today.”

Merritt faces up to life in prison for the kidnapping charge, life for the interstate domestic violence charges, a maximum of 40 years for the drug charge, and up to a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is set for November 11, 2021 at 11:00.

The FBI and Sabine County Sheriff’s Office in Hemphill, Texas conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cadesby B. Cooper prosecuted the case.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdla/pr/many-louisiana-man-convicted-kidnapping-and-interstate-domestic-violence

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Northern District of Texas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Perryton Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Sharing Child Pornography on Kik

A former Perryton police officer pleaded guilty today to child pornography charges, announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Prerak Shah.

Aaron Bennett Daugherty, 36, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to one count of transportation of child pornography. He was charged via criminal complaint in February.

According to plea papers, Mr. Daugherty was nabbed in an undercover FBI investigation into individuals using Kik, a social media app popular among teenagers, to share explicit images of children.

On June 9 2020, a Kik user with an obscene screenname – later identified as Mr. Daugherty – shared a video file depicting an adult male engaged in sexual acts with a blindfolded prepubescent child.

“I’m here to look at CP, everybody,” the user posted two weeks later. “Go on with the CP content!”

Law enforcement later contacted Mr. Daugherty at the Perryton Police Department. He admitted that he used Kik to view and share child pornography, adding that child porn did not “bother” him.

The defendant now faces up to 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing hearing has not yet been set.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office – Amarillo Resident Agency, the Texas Rangers, and the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation with the full cooperation of the Perryton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Frausto is prosecuting the case.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndtx/pr/perryton-police-officer-pleads-guilty-sharing-child-pornography-kik

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of South Carolina

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 15, 2021

Multi-State, Multi-Agency Investigation Results in Four Federally Charged in Child Sex Trafficking and Child Exploitation Case

Columbia, South Carolina — Acting United States Attorney M. Rhett DeHart announced today that four individuals have been charged by a federal grand jury in a 13-count indictment for their respective roles in alleged child sex trafficking, production of child pornography, and coercion and enticement of a minor. The case involves activity spanning from Arizona to South Carolina, and victims from the Pee Dee and Midlands regions of South Carolina.

Specifically, Hart William Grow, 25, of Surprise, Arizona, has been charged with conspiracy to sexually traffic a minor, sexual trafficking of minor, conspiracy to produce child pornography and to coerce and entice a minor, four counts of production of child pornography involving two victims, four counts of coercion and enticement of a minor involving two victims, and possession of child pornography.

Theodore Woolings Bye, III, 36, of Myrtle Beach, has been charged with conspiracy to sexually traffic a minor, sexual trafficking of minor, conspiracy to produce child pornography and to coerce and entice a minor, two counts of production of child pornography, two counts of coercion and enticement of a minor, and possession of child pornography.

Sanadin Mohamed Elrayes, 28, of Surfside Beach, and Charles Joseph Spillane, 44, of Myrtle Beach, have both been charged with conspiracy to produce child pornography and to coerce and entice a minor.

The indictment alleges that, since at least April 2020, Grow and Bye conspired to recruit, entice, harbor, transport, provide, obtain, maintain, patronize, and solicit a minor victim in South Carolina to engage in a commercial sex act.

The record in the case alleges that Grow, from his home in Arizona and through the internet, misrepresented to various minors across the country that he was also a minor and was interested in a relationship. In this case, Grow allegedly claimed to a minor victim that he was a 17-year-old female named “Hannah” living in Columbia, South Carolina.

Using this false persona and promising love and affection, Grow groomed the minor victim to fall in love with “Hannah.” It was then, the indictment alleges, that Grow abused his position of trust with the minor victim to enter into a sexual dominant/submissive relationship, to hold absolute power and control over the victim, and to employ bondage/discipline, domination/submission, and sadism/masochism (“BDSM”) techniques. Threatening the minor victim if the victim did not obey his BDSM rules, Grow required the victim to engage in often-violent sexual acts with adult men that the victim did not otherwise wish to engage with.

According to Court records, Grow used message boards and social media to make his minor victim available to adult males for sexual encounters in exchange for the men sending visual depictions of the sexual encounters to him. Specifically, Grow required the adult males to produce, or assist in the production of, a visual depiction of the often-violent sexual acts. One such male, according to the indictment, was Bye.

The indictment alleges that Bye, with the direction and logistical assistance of Grow, not only participated in the sexual acts with the victim but also made the victim available for sex on numerous occasions to other men. According to the indictment, Bye would transport the victim to various locations in and around Myrtle Beach for commercial sex acts and would use internet message boards, social media, and text messages to make the victim available to other adult males for sexual encounters. The minor victim’s availability for the sexual encounters was predicated on the agreement with the adult males to produce and send visual depictions of the acts to Grow.

The indictment further alleges that Elrayes and Spillane responded to Bye’s internet postings and, after communicating with Bye via social media and text messages, engaged in sexually explicit conduct with the minor for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of the acts. According to the indictment, the visual depictions with Elrayes were created at a hotel in Surfside Beach, and the visual depictions with Spillane were created at his Myrtle Beach home.

The indictment also alleges that in early 2021, after Grow had trafficked the first minor victim, he began communicating with a second minor victim in South Carolina. According to Court records, Grow coerced the second minor into producing visual depictions of sexually explicit conduct until shortly before his arrest in Arizona.

According to Court records, the defendants used social media applications, including Snapchat, Wattpad, and Kik

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sc/pr/multi-state-multi-agency-investigation-results-four-federally-charged-child-sex

Audit of Selected Aspects of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System

https://oig.justice.gov/reports/audit-selected-aspects-federal-bureau-investigations-national-instant-criminal-background

Office of Public Affairs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 15, 2021

U.S. Government Launches First One-Stop Ransomware Resource at StopRansomware.gov

New Website Provides Cybersecurity Resources from Across the Federal Government

Today, as part of the ongoing response, agencies across the U.S. government announced new resources and initiatives to protect American businesses and communities from ransomware attacks. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), together with federal partners, have launched a new website to combat the threat of ransomware. StopRansomware.gov establishes a one-stop hub for ransomware resources for individuals, businesses and other organizations. The new StopRansomware.gov is a collaborative effort across the federal government and is the first joint website created to help private and public organizations mitigate their ransomware risk.

“The Department of Justice is committed to protecting Americans from the rise in ransomware attacks that we have seen in recent years,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland of the Justice Department. “Along with our partners in and outside of government, and through our Ransomware and Digital Extortion Task Force, the Department is working to bring all our tools to bear against these threats. But we cannot do it alone. It is critical for business leaders across industries to recognize the threat, prioritize efforts to harden their systems and work with law enforcement by reporting these attacks promptly.”

“As ransomware attacks continue to rise around the world, businesses and other organizations must prioritize their cybersecurity,” said Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for the Department of Homeland Security. “Cyber criminals have targeted critical infrastructure, small businesses, hospitals, police departments, schools and more. These attacks directly impact Americans’ daily lives and the security of our nation. I urge every organization across our country to use this new resource to learn how to protect themselves from ransomware and reduce their cybersecurity risk.”

StopRansomware.gov is the first central hub consolidating ransomware resources from all federal government agencies. Before today, individuals and organizations had to visit a variety of websites to find guidance, latest alerts, updates and resources, increasing the likelihood of missing important information. StopRansomware.gov reduces the fragmentation of resources, which is especially detrimental for those who have become victims of an attack, by integrating federal ransomware resources into a single platform that includes clear guidance on how to report attacks, and the latest ransomware-related alerts and threats from all participating agencies. StopRansomware.gov includes resources and content from DHS’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the U.S. Secret Service, the DOJ’s FBI, the Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the Departments of the Treasury and Health and Human Services.

Ransomware is a long-standing problem and a growing national security threat. Tackling this challenge requires collaboration across every level of government, the private sector and our communities. Roughly $350 million in ransom was paid to malicious cyber actors in 2020, a more than 300% increase from the previous year. Further, there have already been multiple notable ransomware attacks in 2021, and despite making up roughly 75% of all ransomware cases, attacks on small businesses often go unnoticed. Like most cyber attacks, ransomware exploits the weakest link. Many small businesses have yet to adequately protect their networks, and StopRansomware.gov will help these organizations and many more to take simple steps to protect their networks and respond to ransomware incidents, while providing enterprise-level information technology (IT) teams the technical resources to reduce their ransomware risk.

DHS, DOJ, the White House and our federal partners encourage all individuals and organizations to take the first step in protecting their cybersecurity by visiting StopRansomware.gov

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/us-government-launches-first-one-stop-ransomware-resource-stopransomwaregov

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of South Dakota

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 15, 2021

Box Elder Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Receiving and Possessing Child Pornography

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Box Elder, South Dakota, man convicted of Receipt of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography was sentenced on July 8, 2021, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

As to the charge of Receipt of Child Pornography, Christopher Lee Golden, age 51, was sentenced to just over 8 years in federal prison, 10 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Golden was likewise sentenced to just over 8 years in federal prison, 10 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for the charge of Possession of Child Pornography. The time to be served in federal prison and supervised release are to run concurrently.

Golden was indicted for the charges by a federal grand jury in October 2018. He was found guilty of the charges following a bench trial in Rapid City on January 19, 2021.

The charges related to Golden knowingly receiving and possessing sexually explicit images of minor females between June 2014 and September 2018. Golden was arrested in Rapid City in 2018 on a Colorado fugitive warrant for sexual exploitation of a child. At the time of his arrest, Golden had five devices containing child pornography and multiple devices on which he had installed data shredding applications and other anonymizing software.

This case was investigated by the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, the Meade County Sheriff’s Office, and members of the Black Hills Fugitive Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama prosecuted the case.

Golden was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/box-elder-man-sentenced-federal-prison-receiving-and-possessing-child-pornography

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of South Dakota

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 15, 2021

Sioux Falls Man Charged with Production of Child Pornography

Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Production of Child Pornography.

Robert Eugene Stefani, age 45, was indicted on July 7, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on July 12, 2021 and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 30 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on or about June 22, 2019, Stefani, knowingly employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a juvenile female to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct, knowing and having reason to know that such visual depiction would be transported in interstate or foreign commerce or mailed, and such visual depiction would be produced using materials that had been mailed, shipped, and transported in interstate and foreign commerce, including by computer.

The charge is merely an accusation and Stefani is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.

Stefani were released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/sioux-falls-man-charged-production-child-pornography

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of South Dakota

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 15, 2021

20-Year Prison Sentence for Agency Village Man Convicted of Sex Offense Involving Children

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that an Agency Village, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact was sentenced on July 12, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.

Kevin Lee Farmer, age 58, was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison, life of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Farmer was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 20, 2020. He pled guilty on April 12, 2021.

The conviction stemmed from incidents between on or about June 1, 2016, and on or about December 31, 2016, when Farmer knowingly engaged in, and attempted to engage in, sexual contacts with a young female victim. Farmer, using force, intentional touched, either directly or through the clothing, the victim’s genitalia, anus, groin, breast, inner thigh, and buttocks.

At the time of the sexual contact, Farmer was approximately 54 years old and the victim was under 12 years of age. The sentencing judge also found that he sexually abused other children. He is an enrolled member of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Sioux Tribe. Farmer and the victim resided together in the same household.

This case was investigated by the Sisseton Wahpeton Tribal Law Enforcement Criminal Investigations Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.

Farmer was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/20-year-prison-sentence-agency-village-man-convicted-sex-offense-involving-children

Despite massive Voter Fraud and Irregularities during the 2020 Presidential Election Scam, that we are now seeing play out in very big and important States, I never threatened, or spoke about, to anyone, a coup of our Government. So ridiculous! Sorry to inform you, but an Election is my form of "coup," and if I was going to do a coup, one of the last people I would want to do it with is General Mark Milley. He got his job only because the world’s most overrated general, James Mattis, could not stand him, had no respect for him, and would not recommend him. To me the fact that Mattis didn’t like him, just like Obama didn’t like him and actually fired Milley, was a good thing, not a bad thing. I often act counter to people's advice who I don’t respect.

In any event, I lost respect for Milley when we walked together to St. John’s Church (which was still smoldering from a Radical Left fire set the day before), side by side, a walk that has now been proven to be totally appropriate—and the following day Milley choked like a dog in front of the Fake News when they told him they thought he should not have been walking with the President, which turned out to be incorrect. He apologized profusely, making it a big story, instead of saying I am proud to walk with and protect the President of the United States. Had he said that, it would have all been over, no big deal, but I saw at that moment he had no courage or skill, certainly not the type of person I would be talking “coup” with. I’m not into coups!

In fact, around the same time Milley, in a conversation, was an advocate of changing all of the names of our Military Forts and Bases. I realized then, also, he was a much different person than I had hoped. I said to him, “spend more time thinking about China and Russia, and less time on being politically correct.”

But never during my Administration did Milley display what he is showing now. He was not “woke.” Actually, I don’t believe he ever was, but the way I look at Milley, he’s just a better politician than a general, trying to curry favor with the Radical Left and the absolute crazy people espousing a philosophy which will destroy our Country!

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Western District of Pennsylvania

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 15, 2021

Former Erie Man Gets 23 Years in Prison for Producing Sexually Exploitive Videos and Photos of Children

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 23 years in jail and 15 years supervised release on his conviction of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Joshua Davis Loucks, 37.

According to information presented to the court, Loucks took sexually explicit photos and produced videos of a minor victim who was ten years of age. He also received computer images depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Cercone noted the extreme depravity of Loucks’ conduct along with Loucks’ lengthy and serious criminal history.

Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Acting United States Attorney Kaufman commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Erie Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Loucks.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/former-erie-man-gets-23-years-prison-producing-sexually-exploitive-videos-and-photos

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Western District of New York

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 15, 2021

Jamestown Man Going To Prison For 30 Years For Producing And Possessing Child Pornography

CONTACT: Barbara Burns

PHONE: (716) 843-5817

FAX #: (716) 551-3051

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today James A. Chapman a/k/a Fatz Guy a/k/a Perverted Doe, 40, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of production and possession of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 30 years in prison and life supervised release by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who handled the case, stated that on November 24, 2014, Chapman and Victim 1 communicated via Facebook Messenger about engaging in sexual activity. During the communications, the defendant offered to pay Victim 1 and one of her friends $60 each to have sex with him. Victim 1 stated that she was 16-years-old and that her friend was the same age. Later that evening, Victim 1 and Victim 2 went to Chapman’s residence in Jamestown, and the defendant engaged in sexual intercourse with them, after which Chapman paid each victim $60.

Following the sexual activity, the defendant used his cellular telephone to take a picture of Victim 1 and Victim 2 completely nude sitting on his bed. A review of Chapman’s Facebook accounts revealed that he then distributed the photograph, which constitutes child pornography, to four other individuals.

Subsequently, on April 7, 2017, the defendant began communicating with Victim 3, who was 17-years-old, through Facebook. During their communications, Chapman requested and received a sexually explicit image of Victim 3. The defendant then sent the image, which constitutes child pornography, to another individual. In addition, Chapman sent Victim 3 the sexually explicit image he took of Victim 1 and Victim 2.

“Thanks to this sentence, the defendant will not be able to victimize or sexually exploit minors for the next three decades,” noted U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “Working with our partners at every level of law enforcement, my Office will continue do all that we can to ensure that the most vulnerable members of our community are protected from those who seek to do them harm.”

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia, and the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/jamestown-man-going-prison-30-years-producing-and-possessing-child-pornography

>>14127765

Grow and Bye face a maximum penalty of life, and Elrayes and Spillane face a maximum penalty of five years. All defendants are currently detained.

“While this indictment speaks for itself, human trafficking and child exploitation are vile crimes, and this office will swiftly and aggressively prosecute those who prey upon minors,” said Acting U.S. Attorney DeHart. “Our ability to address these cases hinges on the great work of our federal, state, and local partners. We also ask parents to be vigilant and to pay attention to your children’s online and social media activity. No demographic is immune from this type of crime, and no family with a computer or a phone is out of reach from these types of predators.”

“The victimization and exploitation of children is a major threat to our community and something we must all work to eradicate,” said Special Agent in Charge Special Agent in Charge Ronnie Martinez, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in North Carolina and South Carolina. “HSI is committed to identifying and safeguarding victims of human trafficking and child exploitation and will aggressively pursue offenders and ensure justice is served.”

“Human trafficking and child exploitation is real, and it is happening in South Carolina,” said South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Chief Mark Keel. “We have and will continue to work in collaboration with our local and federal partners to rescue those being victimized and bring justice to those who profit from the misery of others.”

The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the Horry County Sheriff’s Office, and the Myrtle Beach Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Derek A. Shoemake and Amy Bower are prosecuting the case.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

Acting United States Attorney DeHart stated that all charges in indictments are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

If you or someone you know may have information relevant to this investigation, please call the HSI Tipline at 1-866-347-3423.

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Eastern District of Kentucky

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 15, 2021

Berea Man Sentenced to 214 Months for Production of Child Pornography

FRANKFORT, Ky. — A Berea, Ky., man, Bradley Scott Helton, 33, was sentenced on Thursday to 214 months in federal prison, by U.S. District Judge Gregory VanTatenhove, for using a minor to produce child pornography.

According to Helton’s plea agreement, on May 16, 2020, he communicated with a 7-year-old victim, via an app called “Kiss Kiss: Spin the Bottle.” Helton admitted to chatting with the victim, sending the victim sexual videos and pictures, and requesting the victim send sexual videos in return. Helton admitted that he persuaded and used the 7-year-old victim to engage in sexually explicit conduct, for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of that conduct. He further admitted that the images traveled in interstate commerce when the victim, who was in Texas, sent them to him, in Kentucky, via the app.

Helton pleaded guilty in March 2021.

Under federal law, Helton must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 25 years, following his release from prison.

Carlton S. Shier, IV, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jerry Templet, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations; and Colonel Phillip Burnett, Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police, announced the sentence.

The investigation was conducted by DHS-HSI and the KSP. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edky/pr/berea-man-sentenced-214-months-production-child-pornography

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Southern District of New York

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 15, 2021

Movie Producer Indicted For Operating A Prostitution Business And Money Laundering Scheme

Dillon Jordan Allegedly Operated a Long-Running and International Prostitution Service Under the Cover of Running a Film Business

Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and George M. Crouch Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Newark Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging DILLON JORDAN, a/k/a “Daniel Jordan,” a/k/a “Daniel Maurice Hatton, a/k/a “Daniel Bohler, with conspiracy to violate the Mann Act, substantive Mann Act and Travel Act violations, and money laundering in connection with operating a prostitution business and laundering the proceeds of that prostitution business through two front companies – a purported party and event planning company and an actual movie production company. JORDAN was arrested today in San Bernardino County, California, and will be presented today in the Central District of California.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “As alleged, for years, Dillon Jordan operated an extensive and far-reaching prostitution business, using a purported event planning company and a movie production company to conceal the proceeds he made from exploiting women. Now the party is over and the film is a wrap.”

As alleged in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:[1]

From in or about 2010 through at least in or about May 2017, JORDAN operated a prostitution business throughout the United States and abroad. JORDAN maintained a roster of women who resided around the United States and who, in exchange for payment, performed sexual acts for JORDAN’s clients at locations throughout the United States, including the Southern District of New York, and abroad. JORDAN communicated with the clients of his prostitution business by email to coordinate the prostitution services, which included sending to clients photos of women who were available for hire for prostitution services, discussing the price of prostitution services, and overseeing travel logistics for women to travel to engage in prostitution. At times, JORDAN himself arranged the interstate travel from the women to engage in prostitution, and at other times, clients, at JORDAN’s direction, arranged the interstate travel for the women whom JORDAN directed to those clients. To facilitate his prostitution business, JORDAN also coordinated with a United Kingdom-based madam by sharing and referring customers and prostitutes.

JORDAN primarily managed the finances of the prostitution business through two front companies – a purported party and event planning company and a movie production company – incorporated in California. JORDAN opened multiple bank accounts for these companies, which he used to accept cash, wire, and check payments for prostitution services from clients and to pay for the expenses of the prostitution business, including paying the women for their prostitution services by cash and check. By using the two front companies to receive deposits from the prostitution business, JORDAN ensured that transactions involving those proceeds from the prostitution business would disguise the nature, source, and origin of those proceeds.

* * *

JORDAN, 49, of Arrowhead Lake, California, is charged with: one count of conspiracy to violate the Mann Act, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; one count of enticement, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of use of interstate commerce to promote unlawful activity, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; and one count of money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The statutory maximum sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.

We urge anyone who feels she may be a victim of, or have information related to, the conduct in this case to please contact the FBI at NK-Victim-Assistance@fbi.gov or (973) 792-3000.

Ms. Strauss praised the investigative work of the FBI. This case is being handled by the Office’s Money Laundering and Transnational Criminal Enterprises Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Cecilia E. Vogel is in charge of the prosecution.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/movie-producer-indicted-operating-prostitution-business-and-money-laundering-scheme

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Northern District of Florida

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 15, 2021

Tallahassee Man Indicted For Conspiracy To Produce, Distribute, Possess, And Receive Child Pornography

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Eric Matthew Lipman, 59, of Tallahassee, Florida, was arrested this morning after a federal grand jury in Tallahassee returned an indictment charging him with conspiracy to produce, distribute, possess, and receive child pornography. The indictment was announced by Jason R. Coody, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

Beginning February 8, 2021, through February 11, 2021, the indictment alleges that Lipman conspired to distribute, receive, and possess material containing child pornography. The indictment alleges that as part of the conspiracy, Lipman, along with others, was a participant in Mega.NZ chat groups that distributed, received, possessed, and discussed child pornography images and videos. It is further alleged that the participants posted child pornography images and videos within Mega.NZ chat groups for the benefit of other like-minded participants. The indictment alleges that Mega.NZ was an Internet cloud storage and file hosting service based in New Zealand. Lipman is also charged with receiving, distributing, and possessing material containing child pornography. The pornographic material allegedly found in Lipman’s possession involved a prepubescent minor, as well as a minor under the age of 12.

Lipman faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for conspiracy, receiving material containing child pornography, and distributing material containing child pornography, with a minimum mandatory sentence of 5 years in prison, and a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for possession of material containing child pornography, followed by a term of 5 years to life of supervised release on all counts following his prison sentence.

This case resulted from an investigation by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen is prosecuting the case.

A jury trial for Lipman is scheduled for August 23, 2021, at 8:15am. He will be tried before the Honorable United States Chief District Judge Mark Walker at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl/pr/tallahassee-man-indicted-conspiracy-produce-distribute-possess-and-receive-child

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Middle District of Georgia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

12+ Years Prison Sentence for Middle Georgia Man Guilty in International Child Exploitation Case

COLUMBUS, Ga. – A Fortson, Georgia man was sentenced to serve 151 months in federal prison for coercion and enticement of a minor as a result of an international child exploitation investigation.

Brandon Bywater, 27, of Fortson, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 151 months in federal prison to be followed by ten years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Clay D. Land after previously pleading guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor. In addition, Bywater will be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration Act. There is no parole in the federal system.

“Kids need to know that hidden predators lurk on social media. In this case, the child victim did not know she was interacting with an adult male who collected child pornography of prepubescent children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office will not hesitate to pursue federal charges against child predators. The success of this case demonstrates the excellent interagency work between those investigators here at home and abroad who are committed to protecting children.”

“It’s unfortunate that there are predators like Bywater lurking in the shadows online waiting for their next victim. We all have to make sure we are monitoring our children’s online activities to protect them from danger,” said Special Agent in Charge Katrina W. Berger, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in Georgia and Alabama. “Fortunately, he will not be able to post or share these disturbing images and is being held accountable for his crimes against innocent children.”

According to court documents, on June 26, 2018, a Kik social media app user “drawingkid500” uploaded child pornography. This was detected by Kik and forwarded to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Centre for Missing and Exploited Children. The case was referred to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) after the RCMP geo-located the IP address of the Kik user to the United States. HSI’s investigation led to a search warrant of Bywater’s residence. Bywater admitted to being Kik user “drawingkid500” and that he sent, received and downloaded images of child pornography, including images of toddlers and infants. Agents discovered 27 images of child exploitation on Bywater’s phone, with 14 involving child pornography of prepubescent children. During a forensic examination of a device seized from the defendant, it was discovered that Bywater had texted with a 13-year-old 7th grader more than 400 times. In these texts, Bywater initially pretended to be a high school sophomore named “Jack” and enticed the victim to send nude photos of herself. In addition to receiving nude photos of the victim, Bywater sent nude photos of himself to the girl.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford Seals prosecuted the case for the Government.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/12-years-prison-sentence-middle-georgia-man-guilty-international-child-exploitation

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Western District of Pennsylvania

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, July 12, 2021

Bradford, PA Man Pleads Guilty to Receiving Child Pornography

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Bradford, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Daniel Thomas Sutton, 33, 595 South Kendall Avenue, Bradford, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Sutton received computer images and movies depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for November 22, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Sutton on bond.

Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Sutton.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/bradford-pa-man-pleads-guilty-receiving-child-pornography

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Western District of Pennsylvania

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, July 12, 2021

Pleasantville, PA Man Sentenced to 16 Years for Producing Child Pornography

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Pleasantville, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 16 years in jail, 5 years supervised release, and ordered to pay $30,162.96 in restitution on his conviction of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Scott A. Anthony, 50.

According to information presented to the court, the evidence presented at trial established that Anthony produced sexually explicit videos depicting two minors. Anthony surreptitiously recorded the two minor victims, without their knowledge, while they were using a bathroom.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Cercone noted that Anthony’s conduct was extremely disturbing and occurred over a lengthy period.

Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Acting United States Attorney Kaufman commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Millcreek Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Anthony.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/pleasantville-pa-man-sentenced-16-years-producing-child-pornography

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Northern District of Oklahoma

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 15, 2021

Sapulpa Man Sentenced after Child Pornography Convictions

Aaron James Seney, 33, of Sapulpa, was sentenced today to 78 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to distribution and receipt of child pornography and to possession of child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell further ordered Seney to serve 10 years on supervised release following his prison sentence. The defendant will also forfeit property used to commit his crimes: an Iphone, USB Drive, a Samsung smartphone, a digital camera, and a desktop computer.

During his April plea hearing, Seney admitted that between March 24, 2020, and September 2, 2020, he distributed and received child pornography via the internet using file sharing programs. He further admitted that he knowingly possessed and accessed the child sexual abuse material. In total, investigators discovered 193 images and 33 videos depicting the abuse and rape of children as young as infants.

Judge Frizzell remanded Seney into the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service until transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Tulsa Police Department, Sand Springs Police Department and Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Nassar prosecuted the case.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndok/pr/sapulpa-man-sentenced-after-child-pornography-convictions

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Southern District of Ohio

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 15, 2021

Murder victim’s ex-wife sentenced to 35 years in prison for interstate stalking resulting in death

DAYTON – A 37-year-old Centerville woman was sentenced in federal court today to 420 months in prison for interstate stalking that resulted in her ex-husband’s death.

Tawnney Caldwell accepted responsibility for her role in the August 2017 murder of Robert Caldwell. She pleaded guilty in federal court in October 2020.

According to court documents, around 6pm on August 15, 2017, Robert Caldwell and his three minor children left a counseling appointment in Riverside, Ohio. While crossing the parking lot, Robert Caldwell was shot multiple times by an assailant in front of his children and died at the scene. The assailant is alleged to be co-defendant Sterling Roberts.

Tawnney Caldwell is the ex-wife of the murder victim and was the girlfriend of Sterling Roberts at the time of the incident.

She and the murder victim had an ongoing dispute regarding the custody of their children and Tawnney Caldwell had talked to Sterling Roberts on at least two occasions (while Roberts was incarcerated in Montgomery County) about killing Robert Caldwell.

Tawnney Caldwell collaborated with others, including Sterling Roberts; his brothers, Chance Deakin and Christopher Roberts; Chandra Harmon (Tawnney’s mother); and James Harmon (Tawnney’s step-father), to plan, execute and cover-up the violent crime resulting in the death of Robert Caldwell.

Sterling Roberts is scheduled for jury trial in U.S. District Court on March 7, 2022. Each of the other defendants has pleaded guilty in this case.

Vipal J. Patel, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Chris Hoffman, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Riverside Police Chief Frank Robinson and Sugarcreek Township Police Chief Michael Brown announced the sentence imposed today by Senior U.S. District Judge Thomas M. Rose. Assistant United States Attorneys Amy M. Smith, Sheila G. Lafferty and Kevin Koller are representing the United States in this case.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdoh/pr/murder-victim-s-ex-wife-sentenced-35-years-prison-interstate-stalking-resulting-death

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Southern District of Georgia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 15, 2021

Sylvania, GA man sentenced to federal prison for distributing child pornography

Defendant shared images with undercover investigator

STATESBORO, GA: A Screven County man was sentenced to federal prison after admitting that he distributed child pornography.

Daniel Boulineau, 34, of Sylvania, Ga., was sentenced to 63 months in prison after pleading pled guilty to Distribution of Child Pornography, said David H. Estes, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S District Court Chief Judge J. Randal Hall also ordered Boulineau to pay restitution to the victims in the case, to register as a sex offender, and to serve 25 years of supervised release after completion of his prison term.

There is no parole in the federal system.

“In collaboration with our law enforcement partners, we will relentlessly pursue predators who prey upon vulnerable children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Estes. “Daniel Boulineau’s incarceration will hold him accountable and protect other vulnerable citizens from this predator.”

As outlined in court documents and testimony, in early August 2020, Boulineau admitted that he electronically distributed images and videos of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. An investigation by the FBI and the Child Exploitation Task Force into online activity led to Boulineau’s arrest on Sept. 1, 2020, after he used an online messaging service to share videos and images of child exploitation with an undercover investigator.

“This sentence demonstrates the determination of the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office to find those who prey on children in our communities and bring them to justice,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The trauma suffered by a child who is sexually abused is deplorable and even more so every time images of that abuse are distributed and viewed.”

The case was investigated by the FBI, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney and Project Safe Childhood Coordinator Tara M. Lyons.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdga/pr/sylvania-ga-man-sentenced-federal-prison-distributing-child-pornography

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of Minnesota

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 15, 2021

Federal Jury Convicts Man of Sexually Abusing a Minor Aboard Flight to Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS – A federal jury convicted a Minneapolis man for engaging in abusive sexual contact on an airplane, announced Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk.

Following a three-day trial before Judge Nancy E. Brasel, Neeraj Chopra, 40, was convicted on one count of abusive sexual contact.

According to the evidence presented at trial, in April 2019, Chopra knowingly engaged in abusive sexual contact with a 16-year-old victim who was seated next to him aboard a Jet Blue flight from Boston to Minneapolis. During the flight, Chopra retrieved a blanket from his backpack and draped it over his lap, with a portion of the blanket also covering the victim’s right leg. Chopra put his hand under the blanket and began inappropriately touching the victim. Chopra ignored the victim’s multiple requests to stop and continued to inappropriately touch the victim.

Chopra faces up to two years in prison and a fine up to $250,000. At sentencing, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing date has yet to be scheduled.

This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Police.

This case was tried by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren O. Roso and Michelle E. Jones.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-mn/pr/federal-jury-convicts-man-sexually-abusing-minor-aboard-flight-minneapolis

U.S. Attorney’s Office