James Aubrey Zachary Wasson, Child Exploitation & Pornography, Texas 2024

Local Man Admits to Fondling Minor While Producing Child Pornography

HOUSTON, Texas - In a disturbing case of child exploitation, 38-year-old James Aubrey Zachary Wasson has pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a child and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Wasson, a resident of Montgomery County, Texas, was identified by authorities after they discovered over 500 files of child pornography he had uploaded between March 2019 and March 2021. A subsequent search of his cell phone confirmed it was the device used to produce the series of sexually explicit photographs.

Some of the photographs, which were taken on a single date in December 2020, showed Wasson in a state of sexual arousal next to a minor female child. He also appeared to be fondling her under her clothing. The minor victim identified Wasson and recalled when he took the photographs.

The U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks accepted the plea and set sentencing for January 4, 2024. At that time, Wasson faces a minimum of 15 and up to 30 years in prison for sexual exploitation of a child, as well as up to 10 years for possession of child pornography.

Wasson has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing. The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Bauman is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.

Wasson's crimes have left a trail of trauma and pain for the minor victim and her family. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and education in preventing child exploitation and abuse. As the investigation and prosecution of Wasson continue, our thoughts remain with the victim and her loved ones.

For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit the DOJ's PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources link on that page.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/local-man-admits-fondling-minor-while-producing-child-pornography