Stephen Christopher Howe, a 44-year-old man from Big Lake, Alaska, has been convicted of attempting to produce child pornography.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, Howe was found guilty of attempted production and receipt of child pornography, attempted enticement of a minor, and attempted transfer of obscene matter to a minor. He had previously pled guilty to possession of child pornography.
The guilty verdict was reached after a four-day bench trial before Judge Sharon L. Gleason. Sentencing is scheduled for November 7, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. in Anchorage. As a result of his convictions, Howe faces a sentencing range of not less than 15 years in prison up to life. Each conviction carries a maximum fine of up to $250,000, terms of supervised release of five years to life, and a $100 special assessment.
According to evidence presented at trial, Howe responded to an undercover online advertisement posted by a law enforcement officer posing as a minor. Over the next 48 hours, the undercover officer and Howe exchanged 475 text messages. In these messages, the undercover and Howe discussed meeting to engage in sexual acts together.
Howe told the undercover that he was an “ebhebophile,” that is “[someone] who like[s] post-pubescent adolescents),” and a pedophile, that is, an “adult who is attracted to children.” He also sent two images of his penis to the undercover, and repeatedly asked the undercover to take a photograph of his penis and send it to him.
This case was investigated by the Anchorage Police Department, Crimes Against Children Unit (CACU), with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Reardon.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Learn more about Project Safe Childhood.
Related Federal Cases
- Juneau Man Sentenced for Distributing Child Pornography · Alaska
- Anchorage Man Sentenced to 17.5 Years for Child Pornography Charges · Alaska
- Whitmore’s 17.5 Years for Child Pornography Crimes · Alaska
- Ketchikan Man Sentenced to 13 Years for Child Pornography Distribution · Alaska
- Tripoli Man Sentenced to 40 Years for Distributing Child Pornography · Alaska
Key Facts
- State: Alaska
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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