Ernest R. Cook Pleads Guilty

Ernest R. Cook, 58, of Bangor, pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography and using the internet intending to view child pornography in U.S. District Court. This guilty plea is a significant step towards justice for the victims of these heinous crimes.

According to court records, the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office received information on December 21, 2014, that Cook had images of child pornography on his computer. A search warrant was executed, and his computer and a flash drive were seized. A forensic examination by the Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit (MSPCCU) revealed that Cook used his computer to search for child pornography on the internet and saved those images to the flash drive.

The investigation was conducted by the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office, the MSPCCU, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. This collaborative effort demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combatting child pornography and protecting vulnerable populations.

Cook was indicted for these crimes in November 2016. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each of the two counts. The severity of these charges reflects the gravity of the crimes committed and the need to hold perpetrators accountable.

The guilty plea is a result of the diligent work of Assistant United States Attorney F. Todd Lowell, who prosecuted the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to pursuing justice for victims of child pornography and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.

Cook will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. This report will provide the court with a comprehensive understanding of Cook’s background and the circumstances surrounding the crimes, ultimately informing the sentencing decision.

The case of Ernest R. Cook serves as a reminder of the importance of continued vigilance and cooperation among law enforcement agencies in the fight against child pornography. By working together, we can protect vulnerable populations and bring perpetrators to justice.