John Johnny Anthony Sassine, Attempting to Transfer Obscene Materia…

BEAUMONT, TX – John “Johnny” Anthony Sassine, 53, of Port Arthur, Texas, is headed to federal prison after pleading guilty to attempting to transfer obscene material to a minor. U.S. District Judge Ron Clark handed down a 78-month sentence today, a consequence for his depraved online behavior.

The case unfolded in March 2013 when an undercover officer with the Jefferson County, Colorado District Attorney’s Office, posing as a 13-year-old female on a social networking site, received an unsolicited message from Sassine. What began as an online conversation quickly devolved into sexually explicit exchanges. The officer, maintaining the guise, provided a birthdate indicating she was 15 years old, but Sassine brazenly sent two sexually explicit photos and demanded nude images in return.

Colorado authorities quickly coordinated with law enforcement in Port Arthur, Texas, to identify and apprehend Sassine. On April 12, 2013, federal agents executed a search warrant at his residence. Initially, Sassine attempted to deceive investigators, denying the presence of any computers in his home. He ultimately admitted to owning three laptops and a notebook computer.

When confronted about the reason for the search, Sassine chillingly speculated it was related to his illicit online communications. He confessed to sending the explicit photos to someone he believed was under the age of 16. This admission, coupled with the evidence gathered by investigators, sealed his fate. The investigation was a joint effort between the Department of Homeland Security HSI-ICE, the Jefferson County Colorado District Attorney’s Office, the Port Arthur Police Department, and the Beaumont Police Department.

U.S. Attorney John M. Bales announced the sentencing, emphasizing that this case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the escalating epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. The project pools federal, state, and local resources to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those who prey on children online, and to rescue victims.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall L. Fluke prosecuted the case. This sentencing serves as a stark warning: those who exploit children online will be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice. Resources are available at www.projectsafechildhood.gov for those seeking information or assistance.