Scott Eric Fernquist, Receiving Child Pornography, South Carolina 2023

Fernquist Receives 10-Year Sentence for Receiving Child Pornography

Columbia, SC – In a disturbing case of online exploitation, 22-year-old Lexington resident Scott Eric Fernquist has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for receiving child pornography.

According to United States Attorney Beth Drake, Fernquist was found guilty of violating 18 U.S.C. § 2252A(a)(2) and (b)(1) – a serious offense that carries severe penalties.

The evidence presented at the change of plea hearing revealed that Fernquist was actively trading child pornography on the internet from April to June 2013. This heinous act has left many in the community shaken and outraged.

Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day II, who prosecuted the case, stated that Fernquist’s actions were a clear threat to the safety and well-being of innocent children. ‘This case is a stark reminder of the dangers of online exploitation and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable,’ Day said.

As part of his sentence, Fernquist will also be required to pay $4,000 in restitution, spend 25 years on supervised release, and register as a sex offender. During his term of supervised release, he will be prohibited from contacting children or using the internet without supervision, and will be subject to random polygraph examinations.

The case was investigated by agents of the Lexington Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.

For more information on Project Safe Childhood, visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. The community is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious online activity to the authorities immediately.

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