Feds Arrest 7 in L.A. Child Porn Ring
Posted on August 20, 2008
Filed Under Child Abuse, Criminal Law, Felonies, Law, Los Angeles, News, Sex Offenders |
Federal and local law enforcement officers arrested 7 men in Los Angeles this week for participation in a computer child pornography ring. Charges of alleged possession or production of computer child pornography were filed against a total of 55 L.A. and Southern California individuals as a result of the 8-month investigation. Peer-to-peer computer networks like Limewire were used to exchange graphic images and videos of children.
“The evidence is horrific,” said U.S. Attorney Thomas O’Brien, noting that some of the children involved were as young as babies. “There seems to be an insatiable appetite for this kind of imagery,” said Salvador Hernandez, FBI assistant director in charge in LA. He noted that child pornography viewers often become sexual predators. The investigation was the first to target peer-to-peer users sharing child pornography.
Conviction for possession of child pornography carries a maximum 10-year federal prison sentence; however, those previously convicted of child exploitation face a mandatory minimum 10-year federal sentence.
Child pornography is just one type of internet prostitution that is vigorously prosecuted in California. If convicted, prostitution can result in jail time, a criminal record, loss of your job and public humiliation. Both users of internet prostitution and providers can be equally charged. Paying or receiving money for sex via the internet is a violation of California prostitution laws.
In the war against prostitution and internet porn, California prosecutors have been targeting and closing unlawful websites, targeting online personal profile ads on Craigslist and other sites and performing sting operations. Law enforcement efforts in LA have been particularly aggressive as this week’s arrests prove.
-LegalPro
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