Related Federal Cases
Corpus Christi Man Convicted of Child Pornography
A 30-year-old Corpus Christi man has been convicted of possessing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
In January 2015, law enforcement identified Victor Staples after using peer-to-peer software to successfully download various files containing child pornography from an IP address associated with him. In June 2015, agents executed a search warrant at his residence, at which time they seized various electronic devices.
Forensic analysis on those devices revealed more than 420 images and approximately 247 videos of child pornography. Today, the court heard that Staples has stated that he was familiar with peer-to-peer software. He admitted to viewing child pornography as early as November 2014 and estimated he saw approximately 100 files of child pornography on his computer.
Staples described to law enforcement that he recalled viewing one image of a nude female child he believed was approximately 11-12 years old. Sentencing is set before U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzalez Ramos on July 20, 2018. At that time, Staples faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Upon completion of any prison term imposed, Staples also faces a maximum of life on supervised release during which time the court can impose a number of special conditions designed to protect children and prohibit the use of the internet. Staples was permitted to remain on bond pending the hearing.
The investigation was conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Corpus Christi Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hugo R. Martinez is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab ‘resources.’
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Sex Crimes|Cybercrime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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