Steven Rian Price, Child Rape and Child Pornography, Washington 2019

A 27-year-old Washougal, Washington, man, Steven Rian Price, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to two federal felonies for making videos of his rape of two infant children.

According to the plea agreement, Price used his smartphone to videotape the rape of the infant child in summer 2019. He later shared videos depicting his rape of the infant using the online communication platforms Discord and Skype. Additionally, Price filmed himself sexually assaulting a second infant – the child of an acquaintance who had also resided at the motel.

The case was investigated by the Vancouver Police Department’s Digital Evidence Cybercrimes Unit. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Angelica Williams.

Under the terms of the plea agreement, both the prosecution and defense will recommend a 20-year prison term and lifetime supervised release to follow prison. Price faces a mandatory minimum 15 years in prison when sentenced by U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle on January 3, 2022.

The production of child pornography is punishable by a mandatory minimum 15 years in prison and up to 30 years in prison. Judge Settle will determine the appropriate sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The fact that Child Protective Services (CPS) had terminated the parental rights of Price and his spouse and had four children removed from their care prior to this criminal conduct is a chilling reminder of the severity of this crime. CPS was unaware of the birth of the victim in this case.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of online safety and the need for vigilance in reporting suspicious activity. It is crucial that we continue to work together to protect our children and communities from such heinous crimes.

Related Federal Cases