Ocala Man Gets 27 Years in Prison for Distributing Child Porn

An Ocala man who pleaded guilty earlier this year to distributing child pornography was sentenced Wednesday to 27 years and three months in federal prison, followed by lifetime sex offender probation.

The 31-year-old pleaded guilty in April to a distribution charge while receipt and possession of child pornography charges were dropped in accordance to the plea deal. He was previously convicted of possession of child pornography in 2008 and was serving a lifetime probation when the new charges were brought against him.

The man was arrested in January after law enforcement agents received a tip that a Skype user had uploaded an image of child pornography in November 2017. The agents linked the account to the man and executed a search warrant at his residence in January.

Agents found an LG G3 smartphone and tablet computer that had child pornography photos and videos on them as well as messages on various social media platforms where the man discussed his sexual exploitation of children and exchanged child pornography.

Law enforcement officials believe the man’s LG G3 smartphone was the main source of his distribution, receipt and possession of child pornography. They found more than 20 images and videos of the content, including some sadistic and masochistic images. Several images included prepubescent and infant females, according to court documents.

The man was originally charged in Marion County circuit court in this case, with 20 counts of possession of child pornography, but the State Attorney’s Office dropped those charges when the federal ones were filed against the defendant.

In 2008, the man was convicted of possession of child pornography when law enforcement officials found 1,000 images on a computer that belonged to him. He was sentenced to three years and six months in federal prison and lifetime probation. He was ordered not to possess or have access to a computer with internet capabilities without written consent of his probation officer, according to court documents.

Distributing child porn is punished more severely than simply possessing it. Anytime a person shares nude images of children or images of children engaged in sexual conduct, this is considered distributing child pornography. Forwarding images, sending them via text, etc. all constitute distributing child porn.

Federal child porn charges are prosecuted quite severely. You could be looking at substantial time in prison, hefty fines and of course, registration as a sex offender, if you are ever released. If you are accused of or charged with any offense relating to child pornography, you need to speak with our Ocala Child Porn Defense Attorneys at Whittel & Melton. We can review your case and determine whether you have any grounds for dismissal or if a plea deal can be negotiated. We can help you navigate the criminal justice system and protect your rights.

For a free consultation, call us today at 352-369-5334 or contact us online. We are available 24/7 to assist you.