A Las Vegas felon has been sentenced to nearly 12 years in prison for possession of child sexual abuse material. Ronald William Dougherty, 52, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography. In addition to his prison sentence, Dougherty will also be required to register as a sex offender after completing his term. Court documents revealed that a forensic search of Dougherty’s iPhone uncovered 179 images and 35 videos depicting child sexual abuse material, including images of children as young as toddlers. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse.
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Title
Las Vegas Felon Sentenced to Nearly 12 Years in Prison for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material
Background
Child sexual exploitation and abuse is a significant issue that is prevalent in society today. It is a heinous crime that causes immeasurable harm to the victims involved. Law enforcement agencies and prosecutors have been working diligently to combat this growing epidemic and bring offenders to justice. One recent case in Las Vegas highlights the gravity of this issue and the efforts being made to address it.
Case Details
Prior Conviction for Possession of Child Pornography
Ronald William Dougherty, a 52-year-old resident of Las Vegas, was serving a prison sentence for a prior conviction for possession of child pornography. This prior conviction already demonstrated Dougherty’s involvement in the exploitation of children and the seriousness of his actions.
Sentencing by United States District Judge
On June 27, 2023, United States District Judge Anne R. Traum sentenced Dougherty to 140 months in prison for possession of child sexual abuse material. This lengthy prison term reflects the severity of the crime and the need to protect society from individuals who engage in such abhorrent behavior.
Prison Term and Supervised Release
In addition to the prison term, Dougherty will serve 10 years of supervised release after his release from prison. This supervised release ensures that he will be monitored and held accountable for his actions even after completing his prison sentence.
Sex Offender Registration
Under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, Dougherty is required to register as a sex offender after completing his prison term. This registration is crucial for law enforcement agencies to keep track of convicted sex offenders and prevent them from re-offending.
Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material
During the investigation, it was discovered that Dougherty had distributed child sexual abuse material using his personal email address. This further highlights the extent of his involvement in this criminal activity and the potential harm inflicted on vulnerable children.
Law Enforcement Agencies Involved
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
The FBI played a vital role in investigating the case against Dougherty. Through their expertise and resources, they worked alongside other law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and build a strong case against him.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department collaborated with the FBI in this case. Their teamwork and dedication were instrumental in uncovering the extent of Dougherty’s criminal activities and ensuring that he was brought to justice.
Prosecutors
Assistant United States Attorney Supriya Prasad
Assistant United States Attorney Supriya Prasad was responsible for prosecuting the case against Dougherty. Her diligence, legal expertise, and commitment to justice played a crucial role in securing a conviction and an appropriate sentence for the offender.
Project Safe Childhood
Overview
Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006. Its primary focus is to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Department of Justice’s Initiative
Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood brings together federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
Combatting Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
The initiative aims to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse by targeting those who engage in child pornography, online enticement of children for sexual purposes, child sex trafficking, and the production and distribution of child sexual abuse material.
Locating, Apprehending, and Prosecuting Offenders
Project Safe Childhood prioritizes the coordination and cooperation of law enforcement agencies at all levels to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals involved in child sexual exploitation and abuse. By leveraging resources and expertise, it increases the chances of successful investigations and convictions.
Identifying and Rescuing Victims
The initiative also focuses on identifying and rescuing child victims of sexual exploitation and abuse. Through collaboration with organizations such as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, efforts are made to locate and provide support to these vulnerable victims.
Reporting Child Sexual Exploitation
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) plays a crucial role in combatting child sexual exploitation. They provide resources and support to law enforcement agencies, families, and communities to prevent child exploitation and locate missing children.
Contact Information
If you have any information regarding suspected child sexual exploitation, you can contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).
Online Reporting
Additionally, you can report suspected child sexual exploitation online through the NCMEC’s website at www.cybertipline.org. Your report can help law enforcement agencies take action and protect vulnerable children from further harm.
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Conclusion
The case of Ronald William Dougherty serves as a chilling reminder of the harm caused by child sexual exploitation and abuse. Through the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and initiatives like Project Safe Childhood, perpetrators of these crimes are being brought to justice.
It is vital that society remains vigilant and continues to report any suspected cases of child sexual exploitation. By working together, we can protect children, rescue victims, and ensure that those who engage in these heinous acts are held accountable for their actions.
Additional Related Content
- Las Vegas Resident Sentenced To 10 Years In Prison For Child Sex Trafficking
- Nye County Resident Sentenced to Prison for Distribution and Receipt of More Than 250,000 Images of Child Sexual Abuse Material
- Reno Man Sentenced To 10 Years In Prison For Receiving Thousands Of Images And Videos Of Child Sexual Abuse Material
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