Taurean Jerome Weber, Child Pornography Distribution, Montana 2023

MISSOULA — A jury has found Taurean Jerome Weber, 39, guilty of transporting, distributing and receiving child pornography using the internet and social media.

Weber, a former Missoula resident and current resident of Littleton, Colorado, was convicted of all eight counts, including four counts of transportation of child pornography, three counts of distribution and one count of receipt of child pornography. The trial began on July 11.

Weber faces a mandatory minimum five years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Weber was remanded into custody pending further proceedings.

“Weber’s distribution of child pornography perpetuated the sexual exploitation and abuse of children for his own gratification. It was wrong and disgusting. We are committed to protecting children from this horrible crime and will be resolute in our efforts to hold those who prey on them accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich.

The investigation began in October 2019 when Instagram reported child pornography on its platform to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which sends those CyberTips to members of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force for investigation. Records obtained through subpoenas and search warrants found evidence that Weber was the creator and user of the social media and email accounts.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cyndee L. Peterson and Karla E. Painter are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by Missoula Police Department Det. Katie Hall, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and FBI.

This case was initiated under the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative, which was launched in 2006 to combat the proliferation of technology-facilitated crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children.

Defendant: Taurean Jerome Weber

Criminal Charges: Transporting, distributing and receiving child pornography using the internet and social media

City and State: Missoula, Montana

Sentencing Date: November 18

Sentence: Mandatory minimum five years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release

Dollar Amount: $250,000

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mt/pr/jury-convicts-former-missoula-resident-child-pornography-crimes