Convicted Child Pornography Offender Faces Up to 20 Years in Prison
A Houston resident has been convicted of multiple child pornography charges, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. Samier Patrick Clark, a 28-year-old man, pleaded guilty to all counts as charged, including distribution, receipt, and possession of child pornography.
Clark first caught the attention of law enforcement in September 2016 after multiple images of child pornography were found associated with his online account. Authorities discovered that Clark used a peer-to-peer network to obtain child pornography and later conducted a search of his residence, leading to the discovery of 68 videos and 143 images. Some of the images are of known victims identified through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
During the plea hearing, Clark admitted to using peer-to-peer software to search for, download, and obtain child pornography. He also admitted to distributing the child pornography through his online account.
Court records show that Clark faces a minimum of five and up to 20 years imprisonment for distribution and receipt of child pornography as well as a maximum of 10 years for the possession conviction. Each count also carries a possible $250,000 maximum fine. Clark will also be required to register as a sex offender.
Sentencing has been set for January 23, 2018, before U.S. District Judge David Hittner. Following the hearing today, Judge Hittner revoked Clark’s bond and ordered him into custody where he will remain pending his sentencing hearing.
The FBI conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie N. Searle is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Clark, 28, of Houston, is charged with distribution, receipt, and possession of child pornography, which are punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine per count. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie N. Searle.
Mandatory Facts: Defendant: Samier Patrick Clark; Charges: Distribution, receipt, and possession of child pornography; City and State: Houston, Texas; Crime Date: 2016; Sentence: Up to 20 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine per count; Current Status: In custody.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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