Richard J. Watkins, Child Pornography Charges, New York 2012

Child Pornography Charges Rock Phoenix Neighborhood

A Phoenix man has been arrested and charged with federal child pornography charges, shocking residents of the quiet New York neighborhood.

Richard J. Watkins, 48, was taken into custody this morning on charges of knowingly distributing, receiving, and possessing child pornography via the Internet.

According to federal authorities, Watkins made files depicting child pornography available to others on the internet in September 2012 through a file sharing program. An undercover police officer was able to obtain video files from Watkins’ computer showing children engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Following a search warrant at Watkins’ residence, New York State Police found hundreds of video files of child pornography on media seized from his home.

Watkins faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years imprisonment, a maximum penalty of 20 years, and a fine of up to $250,000 for his distribution and receipt of child pornography. For possessing child pornography, Watkins faces a maximum potential sentence of 10 years in prison.

The charges against Watkins are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Watkins’ arrest is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police and the United States Secret Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa Fletcher as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.

For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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