Lance Robert LeMaire, Transporting Child Exploitation Material, LA

LAFAYETTE, La. – Lance Robert LeMaire, 36, of New Iberia, Louisiana, has confessed to a sickening crime: transporting obscene material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor. The guilty plea, entered before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carol B. Whitehurst, brings a dark chapter closer to a close, but the damage is already done.

Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced the plea today, detailing how law enforcement flagged LeMaire as a potential possessor of this vile content. On May 5, 2015, agents seized LeMaire’s tablet computer. A subsequent forensic examination unearthed 161 images detailing the sexual exploitation of a minor. The discovery paints a disturbing picture of a predator lurking in the digital shadows.

LeMaire now faces a grim reckoning. He’s looking at a potential five-year prison sentence, followed by three years of supervised release. If convicted, he will also be slapped with a hefty $250,000 fine. U.S. District Judge Robert G. James will deliver the final judgment on July 10, 2017. This isn’t just about punishment; it’s about accountability for the unspeakable harm inflicted on a vulnerable victim.

This case is a stark reminder of the pervasive threat of online child exploitation. It’s part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative spearheaded by the Department of Justice. The program aims to dismantle networks of predators, rescue victims, and bring perpetrators to justice. The collaborative effort involves federal, state, and local resources, all focused on protecting the innocent.

The FBI led the investigation, meticulously gathering evidence that ultimately led to LeMaire’s conviction. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert C. Abendroth and John Luke Walker are prosecuting the case, ensuring that justice is served. If you have information regarding child exploitation, authorities urge you to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously through the FBI’s website at tips.fbi.gov or by contacting the Lafayette FBI office at (337) 233-2164.

Project Safe Childhood offers resources and support for those impacted by child sexual abuse. Visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov for more information. This isn’t just a legal case; it’s a societal responsibility to shield children from harm and hold those who prey on them accountable for their horrific actions.