In a recent case that has shocked the community of Paris, Illinois, Tracy L. Parker, a 57-year-old man, was found guilty of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, attempted receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. The federal jury returned a guilty verdict after four days of testimony, where the government presented evidence of Parker’s attempts to obtain sexually graphic images and videos from what he believed to be a 13-year-old female. Parker now faces severe penalties, including up to 30 years of imprisonment for attempted sexual exploitation of a minor. This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against child sexual exploitation and abuse, and highlights the importance of initiatives such as Project Safe Childhood in combating this epidemic.
Background
Details of the case
The case involves Tracy L. Parker, a 57-year-old resident of the 1600 block of S. Central Avenue in Paris, Illinois. Parker was charged with attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, attempted receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. The case centers around Parker’s attempts to obtain sexually explicit images and videos from an individual he believed to be a 13-year-old female.
Location of the trial
The trial took place in Urbana, Illinois, where the guilty verdict was delivered by a federal jury on June 16th. Parker’s sentencing hearing has been scheduled for October 13, 2023, also in Urbana.
Charges and Verdict
Guilty verdict
Tracy L. Parker was found guilty on all charges brought against him, including attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, attempted receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. The guilty verdict was returned by a federal jury after four days of testimony.
Charges faced by Tracy L. Parker
Parker faced a range of charges related to child exploitation and child pornography. These included attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, attempted receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. If found guilty, Parker could face statutory penalties of up to 30 years imprisonment for attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, up to 20 years imprisonment for attempting to receive child pornography, and up to 10 years imprisonment for possessing child pornography.
Sentencing
Date of sentencing
Tracy L. Parker’s sentencing hearing has been scheduled for October 13, 2023. The hearing will take place in Urbana, Illinois.
Potential penalties
If convicted, Parker could face statutory penalties of up to 30 years imprisonment for attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, up to 20 years imprisonment for attempting to receive child pornography, and up to 10 years imprisonment for possessing child pornography. The judge will consider the evidence presented during the trial and any additional factors before determining the final sentencing.
Evidence Presented
Attempts to obtain explicit images and videos
During the trial, the government presented evidence that Tracy L. Parker attempted to obtain sexually graphic images and videos from an individual he believed to be a 13-year-old female. Parker made repeated requests for these explicit materials over weeks through social media and text messaging.
Communication through social media and text messaging
Tracy L. Parker engaged in communication with the individual he believed to be a 13-year-old female through various digital platforms, including social media and text messaging. The evidence presented during the trial demonstrated the nature of these conversations and the explicit content requested by Parker.
Arrest
Discovery of child sexual abuse material on Parker’s phone
Tracy L. Parker was arrested after attempting to open what he believed to be pornographic images and videos of the purported 13-year-old child. At the time of his arrest, child sexual abuse material was discovered on Parker’s cell phone, further supporting the charges and allegations against him.
Custody status
Parker remains in the custody of the United States Marshal Service pending his sentencing hearing on October 13, 2023.
Investigation
Involvement of the Federal Bureau of Investigation
The investigation into Tracy L. Parker’s case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This federal agency played a key role in collecting evidence, conducting interviews, and coordinating with other law enforcement agencies to build a strong case against Parker.
Springfield Field Office
The Springfield Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was responsible for leading the investigation into Tracy L. Parker’s case. The office played a crucial role in coordinating efforts, gathering evidence, and ensuring a thorough investigation.
Trial
Assistant United States Attorneys representing the government
The government was represented by Assistant United States Attorneys Rachel Ritzer and Nathan Bertrand during the trial. These attorneys presented the evidence, interviewed witnesses, and argued the case on behalf of the government.
Length of the trial
The trial lasted for four days, during which the government presented its case and the defense had the opportunity to present its own evidence and arguments. After hearing all the testimony and reviewing the evidence, the federal jury reached a guilty verdict against Tracy L. Parker on all charges.
Project Safe Childhood
National initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse
Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative led by the Department of Justice to address the growing problem of child sexual exploitation and abuse. The initiative brings together federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
Involvement of U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS
U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) play a vital role in the implementation and success of Project Safe Childhood. These offices work together to coordinate investigations, prosecute offenders, and provide support to victims of child exploitation and abuse.
Related Cases
Charges against Adam L. Power in Petersburg, Illinois
In a related case, Adam L. Power, a resident of Petersburg, Illinois, was indicted on charges of sexual exploitation of a minor, receipt, and distribution of child pornography. This case, like Tracy L. Parker’s, highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to hold individuals accountable for their involvement in child exploitation and abuse.
Sentencing of Robert Niffen in Texas
Robert Niffen, a Texas man, was sentenced to twenty months in prison and seven months of supervised release for failing to register as a sex offender. This case demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to ensure the proper monitoring and supervision of individuals with a history of sexual offenses.
Contact Information
Central District of Illinois main office
For more information or inquiries, individuals can contact the Central District of Illinois main office located at 318 S. Sixth Street, Springfield, IL 62701.
Phone numbers for different locations
To reach specific locations within the Central District of Illinois, individuals can use the following phone numbers:
- Springfield (HQ): (217) 492-4450
- Peoria: (309) 671-7050
- Rock Island: (309) 793-5884
- Urbana: (217) 373-5875