Timothy Paul Rapson, Distribution of Child Pornography, West Virginia 2021

Child Pornography Charge in West Virginia

A 39-year-old man from Parkersburg, West Virginia, has pleaded guilty to distributing child pornography, according to a recent press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.

Timothy Paul Rapson, 39, admitted to distributing child pornography on December 31, 2019, using a peer-to-peer file sharing program. The investigation further revealed that Rapson possessed over 73,000 images and videos of prepubescent child pornography.

Rapson pleaded guilty to distribution of prepubescent minor child pornography and faces up to 20 years in prison when sentenced on July 26, 2021. The case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.

The investigation into Rapson's activities was carried out by the Parkersburg Police Department, with assistance from other law enforcement agencies. Assistant United States Attorney Julie M. White is handling the prosecution.

The case against Rapson is a stark reminder of the dangers of child pornography and the importance of protecting children from exploitation. Child pornography is a serious crime that can have devastating consequences for victims, and it is essential that those who engage in this activity are held accountable.

Rapson's sentencing is scheduled for July 26, 2021. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of West Virginia is committed to protecting the children of our community and will continue to work tirelessly to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse.

This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdwv/pr/parkersburg-man-pleads-guilty-child-pornography-charge