Thomas Burke Pleads Guilty to Production of Child Pornography
RICHMOND, Va. – A shocking case of child exploitation has unfolded in Dinwiddie County, Virginia. Thomas Burke, a 34-year-old resident of the area, pleaded guilty to production of child pornography, a heinous crime that has left many in the community reeling.
According to court documents, Burke sexually abused two minors under 12 years of age and produced images of the abuse with his cell phone in 2017. The disturbing images were discovered by Australian law enforcement on the computers of an individual being investigated for child pornography offenses.
Burke had sent the images, as well as other child pornography, to the Australian defendant over the “Kik” application on his cell phone. This egregious act has brought Burke to the doorstep of justice, and he now faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years and a maximum penalty of 30 years when sentenced on August 23.
The case against Burke is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of child exploitation. As part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, federal, state, and local resources are being marshaled to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Tracy Doherty-McCormick, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Patrick J. Lechleitner, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C., made the announcement after U.S. District Judge M. Hannah Lauck accepted the plea.
Burke pleaded guilty to production of child pornography, a serious offense that carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years and a maximum penalty of 30 years. While actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties, this case serves as a stark reminder of the severity of child exploitation and the need for continued vigilance in protecting our children.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:18-cr-19.
Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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