BALTIMORE, MD – Howard James Clem IV, a/k/a “Jamie,” 33, of Pasadena, Maryland, is facing a lengthy prison sentence after a federal jury found him guilty late yesterday of conspiracy to distribute and receive child pornography, along with receipt and possession of the vile material. U.S. District Judge Marvin J. Garbis immediately ordered Clem into custody, ending his freedom and marking the beginning of what will likely be a long reckoning.
The conviction comes after a six-day trial that laid bare the depravity of Clem’s actions. Evidence presented showed Clem connected with Erin Elizabeth Mali, 32, of Arnold, Maryland, through a mobile social networking and dating application in September 2012. Their digital correspondence quickly devolved into the exchange of graphic sexual content involving prepubescent minors. The pair even identified one young female victim by name in their disturbing communications.
The digital trail led to Clem’s downfall. On June 3, 2013, the social networking platform flagged the illicit exchange, generating a “cybertip” sent to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. A subsequent investigation by the Anne Arundel County Police Department led to search warrants being executed at both Clem’s and Mali’s residences, as well as a thorough examination of their online accounts. The evidence seized proved damning.
As a result of the guilty verdict, Clem will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release, a permanent mark of shame that will follow him wherever he goes. He faces a minimum mandatory sentence of five years behind bars, but could receive up to 20 years for the conspiracy charge and each of the two counts of receiving child pornography. An additional 20 years loom for the possession charge, all followed by a lifetime of supervised release. Sentencing is scheduled for May 27, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Garbis.
Mali, who previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and receive child pornography, and distribution of child pornography, is also detained and awaits sentencing on March 3, 2015, at 1:00 p.m. The case was prosecuted under Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative dedicated to combating child sexual exploitation. U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the FBI and Anne Arundel County Police for their relentless work, and specifically acknowledged Assistant U.S. Attorneys Judson T. Mihok and Leo J. Wise for their prosecution of the case.
This isn’t just about convictions; it’s about protecting the most vulnerable. Project Safe Childhood, launched in 2006, continues to marshal resources to identify, rescue, and prosecute those who prey on children. Information about the project and internet safety education can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.
Related Federal Cases
- Abingdon Man Gets 30 Months for Child Porn · Maryland
- Towson Man Gets 42 Months for Child Porn · Maryland
- Arnold Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Child Porn Distribution · Maryland
- Christopher Salisbury Sentenced to 60 Years for Child Porn Production · Maryland
- Bradley Gets 35 Years for Sickening Child Exploitation · Maryland
Key Facts
- State: Maryland
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes|Cybercrime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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