In a somber legal verdict, a federal jury has found a truck driver from Salt Lake County guilty of possession of child pornography through the internet. The case involved Zachary Matthew Hansen, a 40-year-old resident of West Valley City, Utah, who allegedly downloaded images and video files containing child sexual abuse materials from a file-sharing network. The evidence presented at trial revealed that an FBI agent, acting undercover, identified Hansen’s cellphone as the device with an IP address associated with the illegal content. Multiple examinations of the cellphone by federal agents confirmed the presence of child sexual abuse materials. The sentencing hearing for Hansen will be scheduled at a later date. This article highlights the disturbing reality of child exploitation and abuse in the digital age and underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat this growing epidemic.
Truck Driver Found Guilty of Possession of Child Pornography
Overview
In a recent trial, a truck driver named Zachary Matthew Hansen was found guilty of possession of child pornography. The case was brought to court after the FBI discovered that Hansen had downloaded images and videos containing child sexual abuse materials from a file-sharing network. This article will provide an overview of the background, incident and arrest, evidence presented at trial, conviction, and sentencing of Hansen.
Background
Zachary Matthew Hansen, a 40-year-old man from West Valley City, Utah, was working as a truck driver when he became involved in the possession of child pornography. Prior to his arrest, Hansen led a seemingly ordinary life without any criminal history. However, an investigation into his activities revealed a disturbing secret that would have lasting consequences for him.
Incident and Arrest
On August 11, 2017, an FBI agent operating undercover and utilizing law enforcement tools identified an IP address associated with Hansen’s cellphone. This IP address was traced back to a device that contained downloadable child sexual abuse materials via a file-sharing network. Hansen was subsequently arrested by federal agents and charged with possession of child pornography.
Evidence Presentation at Trial
During the trial, the prosecution presented compelling evidence against Hansen. Multiple examinations of Hansen’s cellphone by federal agents revealed numerous images and videos depicting child sexual abuse materials. This evidence clearly linked Hansen to the possession and distribution of illegal content involving minors.
Conviction
Following the presentation of evidence, a federal jury found Zachary Matthew Hansen guilty of possession of child pornography. The verdict reflected the seriousness of the charges against him and the weight of the evidence presented during the trial. The conviction serves as a reminder of the consequences that individuals face when engaging in such illicit activities.
Sentencing
Hansen’s sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date before U.S. District Court Judge Howard C. Nielson, Jr. at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City. The sentencing phase of the trial will determine the appropriate punishment for Hansen’s crimes and could result in significant penalties, including imprisonment.
Investigating Agency
The investigation into Zachary Matthew Hansen’s possession of child pornography was conducted by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office. Their diligent work and use of law enforcement tools allowed them to identify and apprehend Hansen, bringing him to justice for his illegal activities. The agency’s commitment to protecting children from exploitation played a vital role in the successful outcome of this case.
Prosecution
The case against Hansen was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mark Hirata and Carol A. Dain. Their expertise in handling cases involving child exploitation and their commitment to seeking justice for the victims of such crimes were instrumental in securing the conviction of Hansen. Their diligent efforts demonstrate the dedication of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to prosecuting those who engage in the possession and distribution of child pornography.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006. The nationwide program aims to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, utilizing federal, state, and local resources to identify, apprehend, and prosecute individuals involved in the exploitation of children via the internet. Project Safe Childhood also focuses on the rescue and support of victims, highlighting the importance of collaboration and coordination between law enforcement agencies.
Contact Information
For more information about Project Safe Childhood and its efforts to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse, please visit the official website of the Department of Justice at https://www.justice.gov/psc.
For media inquiries or further information about the case, please contact Felicia Martinez, Public Affairs Specialist, at felicia.martinez@usdoj.gov or (801) 325-3237.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on official sources and public records. Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not represent the Department of Justice or any affiliated entities.