Cecil Gunnels, Jr., Child Pornography Possession, Nebraska 2020

Omaha Man Convicted of Child Pornography Charges

A 36-year-old Omaha man has been sentenced to 97 months in prison for possession of child pornography. Cecil Gunnels, Jr., was found guilty of the crime after an investigation by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Papillion Police Department.

The investigation began after an allegation was made regarding Gunnels sexually assaulting a minor. During the search of his residence, electronic devices were seized, which were later found to contain child pornography. This discovery led to the federal charges against Gunnels.

Gunnels was sentenced to 97 months in prison to run concurrent to a 15- to 18-year prison sentence on a State attempted sexual assault on a child in the 1st degree. There is no parole in the federal system.

After his release from prison, Gunnels will serve a five-year term of supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the federal government. The program marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.

The case against Gunnels was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol and the Omaha FBI's Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. The sentence against Gunnels serves as a reminder of the severity of child pornography crimes and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable.

Cecil Gunnels, Jr. will be required to register as a sex offender after his release from prison, a move aimed at protecting the community from potential harm. The investigation and prosecution of child pornography cases are crucial in preventing the exploitation of children and bringing perpetrators to justice.

In a statement, the U.S. Attorney's Office emphasized the importance of Project Safe Childhood in combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. The program has been instrumental in identifying and rescuing victims, as well as prosecuting perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law.

Cecil Gunnels, Jr.'s case is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of child pornography and the need for continued vigilance in preventing these crimes. The sentence against Gunnels serves as a warning to those who would engage in similar behavior, and a testament to the dedication of law enforcement agencies in protecting the community.

Mandatory Facts:

Defendant: Cecil Gunnels, Jr.

Criminal Charges: Possession of child pornography

City and State: Omaha, Nebraska

Exact Date: March 13, 2020 (sentencing date)

Sentence: 97 months in prison (concurrent to 15- to 18-year prison sentence on State attempted sexual assault on a child in the 1st degree)

Registration: Required to register as a sex offender after release from prison

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ne/pr/omaha-man-convicted-possession-child-pornography