Thomas William Wooten, Child Pornography, Michigan 2012

A 33-year-old Macomb Township man has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for manufacturing and distributing child pornography, a crime that shakes the very foundations of our society.

Thomas William Wooten, 33, was found guilty by a federal jury in December 2012 of producing and distributing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Barbara L. McQuade announced today.

Wooten was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison followed by 15 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $250,000 fine and forfeit $100.

The evidence at trial showed that Wooten produced and distributed on the internet pornographic images of a three-year-old girl, including a video of her engaging in a sexual act with Wooten. He also downloaded and collected hundreds of child pornographic images and videos, some of which he obtained by trading the images he created.

‘Regrettably, the internet provides child predators with a ready market for child pornography, but it also helps us to rescue children who are being sexually abused,’ McQuade said.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert D. Foley, III, stated, ‘These despicable crimes victimize and exploit innocent children. The FBI is committed to the arrest and prosecution of criminals who engage in such deplorable, heinous behavior.’

The case was investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hala Jarbou.

Wooten’s heinous crimes have sent shockwaves through the community, and his sentencing serves as a reminder that those who commit such atrocities will face the full force of the law.

As we continue to navigate the complexities of the digital age, it is imperative that we remain vigilant in our efforts to protect children from predators and bring them to justice.

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