Edward Shia, Possession of Child Pornography, California 2016

San Francisco Man Sentenced to 84 Months in Prison for Possession of Child Pornography

Grimy Times Staff, April 1, 2026

Edward Shia, a 32-year-old San Francisco resident, has been sentenced to 84 months in prison for possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Brian J. Stretch and Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) Special Agent in Charge Ryan Spradlin.

According to court documents, Shia admitted to searching for and downloading child pornography online. A search of his San Francisco residence resulted in the discovery of more than 12,400 images and 150 videos of child pornography. The majority of the videos depicted children between the ages of three and ten years old.

Shia’s confession also revealed that he used the term PTHC (“pre-teen hard core”) to search for and download the disturbing images. He admitted that viewing these images was a “release” and that he continued to battle with his sexual desires for children.

On May 7, 2015, a federal grand jury indicted Shia, charging him with possession of child pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252(a)(4)(B). Judge Chhabria found Shia guilty of the charge, following a bench trial based on stipulated facts agreed upon by the parties, on December 6, 2016.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Chhabria ordered Shia to serve a five-year period of supervised release. Shia has been free on bond; Judge Chhabria ordered him to surrender on or before July 21, 2017, to begin serving his sentence.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rita Lin, with the assistance of the HSI, the San Jose Police Department, and the San Francisco Police Department.

For those who suspect child sexual exploitation or missing children, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children can be contacted via its toll-free 24-hour hotline at 1-800-843-5678.

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