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Child Pornography Ring Busted in Washington
A 45-year-old Auburn, Washington man who used peer-to-peer software to share more than 2,800 images of child rape and molestation has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.
JEREMY JAMES CHERRY, a repeat sex offender, was identified as the owner of a computer that shared the disturbing images between August 2017 and March 2018. A Seattle Police Department detective made the discovery as part of Operation Broken Heart, a nationwide initiative to combat child exploitation.
According to court records, CHERRY was convicted of rape of a child and attempted possession of child pornography in 2001. He served eight years in prison and participated in sex offender treatment. However, he began seeking out child pornography again after completing his community supervision.
CHERRY’s actions were part of an alarming trend. In 2018, 61 Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task forces investigated over 25,200 complaints of technology-facilitated crimes against children.
The case was investigated by the Seattle Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, and prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson. CHERRY’s sentencing hearing was presided over by U.S. District Judge John C. Coughnour, who imposed the 10-year sentence due to CHERRY’s prior hands-on offense against children.
Operation Broken Heart resulted in the arrest of over 2,300 suspected online child sex offenders during a three-month nationwide operation. The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse.
CHERRY’s sentence serves as a stark reminder of the severity of the punishment for those who exploit children through technology. As law enforcement continues to crack down on these crimes, it’s clear that the consequences will be severe for those who engage in this heinous behavior.
Key Facts
- State: Washington
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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