Joshua Lynn Gonderman, Receipt of Child Pornography, North Carolina 2017

NEW BERN, North Carolina – In a shocking case of corruption and exploitation, former correctional officer, Joshua Lynn Gonderman, has been sentenced to 14 years behind bars for receiving and possessing child pornography.

The 23-year-old Gonderman, from Lumberton, N.C., pleaded guilty to the charge of Receipt of Child Pornography on February 16, 2017.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Fayetteville, Gonderman had been receiving and storing child pornography on his smartphone, which was discovered during a search warrant executed on May 31, 2016.

A preliminary review of the seized items uncovered a staggering 4,712 images of child pornography, including sadistic and masochistic conduct, and the exploitation of infants.

The FBI investigation, led by the Fayetteville Office and the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, revealed that Gonderman was employed as a correctional officer at the NC Department of Public Safety Lumberton Correctional Institution.

Assistant United States Attorney Ethan A. Ontjes handled the federal prosecution, which was part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative, a national program aimed at ensuring the prosecution of those who exploit children.

Gonderman was sentenced to 168 months in prison and 10 years of supervised release by United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in protecting our children from exploitation and abuse.

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