Shawn Howells, Child Pornography, Pennsylvania 2017

SCRANTON, PA – Shawn Howells, a 43-year-old man from Scranton, Pennsylvania, has been charged with possessing and distributing child pornography, federal authorities announced today.

According to the indictment, Howells used the internet to view a minor engaging in illegal sexual activity between November 29, 2016 and January 20, 2017. During that same time period, he allegedly transported child pornography by any means, including by computer.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Gotlob is prosecuting the case.

If convicted, Howells faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison and a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for the possessing and distributing child pornography.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to identify, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and to identify and rescue victims.

Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

If convicted, Howells faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 20 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.

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