Gerald Porter, Child Pornography, Virginia 2023

NORFOLK, Va. – In a shocking turn of events, a Bible school teacher in Chesapeake has been indicted for possession and receipt of child pornography. Gerald Porter, 70, was identified by two law enforcement agencies during undercover investigations into peer-to-peer file-sharing network users sharing child pornography.

According to court records, Porter’s computer was downloaded with numerous files of child pornography during the investigations. Porter was also a teacher at a local church.

Porter has been charged with receipt and possession of child pornography, and faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 20 years in prison if convicted. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth M. Yusi is prosecuting the case. Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Col. K.L. Wright, Chief of Chesapeake Police; and Michael K. Lamonea, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Norfolk, made the announcement.

Porter’s indictment serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of child exploitation and the importance of protecting our children. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.

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