Christian Ruffin, Child Pornography, North Carolina 2019

Raleigh, N.C. - A disturbing case of child exploitation has come to light as Christian Ruffin, 23, of Raleigh, has been indicted on nine counts of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.

According to the indictment, Christian Ruffin allegedly received at least nine images containing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The indictment further alleges that on November 14, 2019, Ruffin was found to be in possession of digital media containing images and videos involving minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

If convicted, Ruffin would face a statutory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a maximum sentence of up to 20 years per count. He also would face up to a lifetime of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Raleigh Police Department are investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorney Jake D. Pugh is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

This case is part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative, a national program aimed at ensuring that criminals exploiting children are effectively prosecuted by making full use of all available law enforcement resources at every level.

Defendant information: Christian Ruffin, 23, of Raleigh, North Carolina, was indicted on nine counts of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. The alleged crime took place on November 14, 2019. The potential sentence is 5-20 years per count, with a lifetime of supervised release.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc/pr/christian-ruffin-raleigh-indicted-child-pornography-charges