A repeat sex offender in Las Vegas has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for possession of child sexual abuse material. Russell Hamblin, 63, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography in November 2022. According to court documents, Hamblin had previously been convicted of receipt of child pornography in 2008, resulting in a prison sentence and a lifetime of supervised release. During a home visit in April 2022, U.S. Probation Officers discovered printed papers depicting nude or partially dressed young females on the floor of Hamblin’s residence. They seized multiple flash drives and cell phones, and Hamblin admitted to possessing between 10 and 150 items of child pornography on the confiscated devices. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI. This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse launched by the Department of Justice in 2006.
Title
Repeat Sex Offender Sentenced To 10 Years In Prison For Possession Of Child Sexual Abuse Material
Background
Summary of the case
A repeat sex offender, Russell Hamblin (63), was recently sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by 15 years of supervised release for possession of images depicting child sexual abuse material. Hamblin pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography in November 2022. This case has raised concerns about the ongoing issue of child sexual exploitation and the need for initiatives like Project Safe Childhood.
Introduction to Project Safe Childhood
Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006. Its primary objective is to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Under this initiative, federal, state, and local resources are brought together to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet. Project Safe Childhood also aims to identify and rescue victims of child sexual abuse.
Case Details
Sentencing
Russell Hamblin has been sentenced by United States District Judge Richard F. Boulware II to 10 years in prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release. This sentencing reflects the seriousness of the crime and serves as a deterrent to other potential offenders.
Conviction and guilty plea
Hamblin pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography in November 2022. This guilty plea demonstrates his acknowledgment of the crime committed and his willingness to take responsibility for his actions.
Previous conviction and supervised release
On January 14, 2008, Hamblin was convicted of receipt of child pornography in U.S. District Court in Las Vegas. As a result of this conviction, he was sentenced to prison and a lifetime term of supervised release. The fact that Hamblin is a repeat offender highlights the importance of continued monitoring and intervention for individuals with a history of sexual offenses.
Investigation
Home visit and discovery of evidence
On April 12, 2022, during a routine home visit, U.S. Probation Officers observed printed papers on the floor that depicted nude or partially dressed young females. This discovery raised suspicion and prompted further investigation into Hamblin’s activities.
Seized devices and admission of possession
During the home visit, law enforcement officers seized multiple flash drives and cell phones belonging to Hamblin. Upon further examination, Hamblin admitted to possessing between 10 and 150 items of child pornography on the seized devices. The seizure of these devices and Hamblin’s admission provided substantial evidence for his conviction.
Announcement and Prosecution
Statement by United States Attorney
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada announced the sentencing of Russell Hamblin for possession of child sexual abuse material. This statement emphasizes the commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to prosecute offenders involved in child exploitation cases and ensure the safety of vulnerable children.
Role of the FBI
The FBI played a crucial role in the investigation of Russell Hamblin’s case. Their expertise in investigating internet-based crimes and their commitment to protecting children from exploitation contributed to a successful prosecution.
Prosecution by Assistant United States Attorney
Assistant United States Attorney Supriya Prasad led the prosecution of Russell Hamblin’s case. Their diligent work and dedication to seeking justice for victims of child sexual abuse material has resulted in a significant outcome.
Project Safe Childhood
Overview of the initiative
Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. It brings together federal, state, and local resources to address this growing problem.
Goal and objectives
The primary goal of Project Safe Childhood is to identify and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet. It seeks to dismantle networks involved in child pornography and rescue victims from abuse. The initiative also focuses on raising awareness, educating communities, and providing support to survivors of child sexual abuse.
Collaboration with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section
Project Safe Childhood operates in collaboration with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section. This collaborative approach ensures the effective utilization of resources and expertise to combat child sexual exploitation.
Additional Information
Link to Project Safe Childhood website
For more information about Project Safe Childhood and its initiatives, please visit the official website at www.justice.gov/psc. This website provides resources, educational materials, and updates on ongoing efforts to combat child sexual abuse material.
Other related press releases
To stay informed about other cases related to child sexual abuse material and the efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Nevada, please refer to the press release section on their official website.
Contact Information
U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Nevada
For any inquiries or information related to child sexual exploitation cases, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Nevada.
District of Nevada address
501 Las Vegas Boulevard South Suite 1100 Las Vegas, NV 89101
Contact numbers
Las Vegas: 702-388-6336 Reno: 775-784-5438
Stay Connected
Links to social media accounts
Stay connected with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Nevada, by following their social media accounts. This will ensure you receive the latest updates and news regarding their efforts to combat child sexual exploitation.
Archives and legal policies
For access to archives, legal policies, and other relevant information, please visit the official website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Nevada.
Privacy policy
To understand how your privacy is protected when accessing the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Nevada’s website, please refer to their privacy policy.
In conclusion, the sentencing of Russell Hamblin for possession of child sexual abuse material highlights the ongoing issue of child sexual exploitation. Initiatives like Project Safe Childhood play a crucial role in combating this epidemic and bringing offenders to justice. It is essential to continue supporting these initiatives and raising awareness about child sexual abuse to protect vulnerable children and prevent future incidents.