Richard C. Webber, Child Pornography Possession, Ohio 2016

A local man has been taken into custody for his involvement in the distribution of child pornography. Richard C. Webber, 54, of Huber Heights, Ohio, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography in U.S. District Court.

The crime was discovered after investigators executed a search warrant on Webber's home in Huber Heights. The search revealed over 1,200 pictures and 170 video files of child pornography, including images involving prepubescent minors. The images were obtained using 'Peer-to-Peer' software, file-sharing programs, and applications, including ARES, LimeWire, and NewsBin, as well as Windows.

Webber's actions carried a potential maximum custodial sentence of 20 years in prison and at least five years up to a lifetime of supervised release. Additionally, Webber will be required to register as a sex offender.

The case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. The U.S. Attorney's Office, FBI, and local authorities worked together to apprehend Webber and investigate the crime.

Acting U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman commended the investigation, which was led by the FBI and Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Hunt and First Assistant United States Attorney Vipal Patel.

Richard C. Webber was charged on March 25, 2016. Sentencing is set for August 9 at 2pm before U.S. District Court Judge Walter H. Rice. The exact custodial sentence will be determined at that time.

The investigation and prosecution of Webber's case is a significant step in the fight against child exploitation. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and provide updates on the sentencing and any other relevant developments.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdoh/pr/huber-heights-man-pleads-guilty-possessing-child-pornography