Oakland Man Fischman Gets 70 Months for Child Porn Possession

Arnold Fischman, 69, of Oakland, is headed to federal prison for 70 months after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography, a stash that included brutal images of children as young as three being sexually abused. The sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge Haywood Gilliam, marks the end of a federal investigation that uncovered more than 10,000 illicit images and videos on Fischman’s electronic devices.

Fischman admitted in court on September 12, 2016, to possessing over 600 images of minors under the age of 12 engaged in sexually explicit conduct. That number, however, was just the tip of the iceberg. A search warrant executed by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) on January 8, 2015, at his Oakland residence revealed the true scale of the collection—more than 10,000 files, many depicting graphic, violent abuse of toddlers and young children.

The federal charge stemmed from a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252(a)(4)(B), which criminalizes the possession of child pornography. Authorities said the material was not only extensive but disturbingly young in subject matter, with multiple files showing children between three and five years old being exploited. The evidence was so overwhelming that Fischman opted to plead guilty, avoiding a trial.

U.S. Attorney Brian J. Stretch and HSI Special Agent in Charge Ryan Spradlin announced the outcome yesterday, emphasizing that the case reflects ongoing federal efforts to target predators who exploit children online. “This sentence sends a clear message: we will pursue and prosecute those who traffic in the abuse of the most vulnerable,” Stretch said.

Judge Gilliam ordered Fischman to self-surrender by no later than March 27, 2017, to begin serving his 70-month sentence. In addition, he will face a five-year period of supervised release upon his release from prison, during which he will be monitored for compliance with strict conditions, including registration as a sex offender.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas R. Green, with assistance from Trina Khadoo, and was the result of a thorough investigation by HSI. The public is urged to report suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678.