Franklin Joseph Perkins, Child Pornography Charges, Texas 2024

A shocking admission has been made in the small town of Alvin, Texas, as 41-year-old Franklin Joseph Perkins pleaded guilty to child pornography charges, sparking concerns for the safety of local children.

Perkins, a former instructor at the Kuk Sool Won martial arts studio and Gulf Coast Gymnastics, faces a minimum of five and up to 20 years for receiving child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and up to 10 years for possessing it.

According to authorities, the investigation revealed that a user with a Google account had uploaded files possibly depicting child sexual abuse material onto their servers. Law enforcement linked Perkins to that account and determined he had been using various Google accounts and his cell phone to receive and possess child pornography.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation along with the Pearland Police Department, Galveston County Sheriff’s Office, and the Houston Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly Leo, Carrie Wirsing, and Colton Turner are prosecuting the case, which has sent shockwaves through the community.

Perkins will remain in custody pending sentencing, set for April 15. At that time, he could also be ordered to pay up to a $250,000 fine as well as a $5,000 special assessment under the Justice for Trafficking Act, a maximum of a $35,000 special assessment under the Amy, Vicky and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act, and mandatory restitution in an amount of no less than $3,000 per victim.

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