The Internet makes it easy to share photos. And it makes it easy to get into serious trouble for sharing the wrong kind of photos. Louisiana and federal laws make it a felony to distribute online child pornography, and the penalties can be severe.
A U.S. District Court judge recently sentenced a Baton Rouge man to eight years in federal prison after he pleaded guilty to one count of distributing child pornography over the Internet. Prosecutors said that the 30-year-old man sent to an undercover FBI agent 25 images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Investigators traced the source of these images to a computer at the man’s Baton Rouge apartment.
Originally, the man faced an additional charge alleging that he possessed other child pornography when federal agents searched his apartment. That charge was dropped in exchange for the man pleading guilty to the distribution charge. After his release from prison, the man must be under federal supervision for 20 years, the judge ruled.
The penalties for charges of sexual exploitation of children are harsh. A conviction brings long-term damage to one’s personal and professional reputation. Those convicted of these crimes may have to sign up with a sex offender registry for decades to come even after any prison time, seriously interfering with their ability to find work or adequate housing after their release.
Louisiana residents accused of distributing, producing, possessing or receiving child pornography or other similar crimes must work quickly to find a defense strategy that will help minimize the damage. Prosecutors take these crimes very seriously, and defendants must take their defense seriously as well. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help build the strongest case.
Source: The Advocate, “BR man gets 8 years in child pornography case,” Bill Lodge, April 3, 2013