Stephen P. Lynch, Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Texas 2018

Kingwood Resident Gets 35 Years for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

A 43-year-old Kingwood resident has been ordered to federal prison for the sexual exploitation of a minor and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Stephen P. Lynch pleaded guilty on June 6, 2018. Today, District Judge Nancy F. Atlas sentenced Lynch to 360 months for sexual exploitation and five years for the possession charges, respectively. The sentences will run consecutive for a total of 35 years in federal prison.

The sentence will be immediately followed by five years of supervised release during which time he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. He will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.

At the sentencing today, Judge Atlas heard from the victim's mother and sibling. They informed the court how Lynch's actions have scarred their family for life, changed how they viewed the world, and stole their sense of security.

The investigation into Lynch began when Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents received information via the HSI Cyber Crimes Center regarding a referral from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The referral advised that an unidentified female minor victim of a child pornography-related offense was possibly located in the area of Houston.

The court considered the length of time the production occurred. The court also heard that the images are known to be in at least 222 collections of other individuals.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/kingwood-resident-gets-35-years-sexual-exploitation-child