A Cape Canaveral man has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for possessing child sexual abuse material.
U.S. District Judge Julie S. need handed down the sentence against William Alfred Harris, 62, who entered a guilty plea on April 30, 2024.
According to court documents, in January 2023, the FBI identified Harris as being a recipient or downloader of child sex abuse material (CSAM) on a file-sharing platform. Agents downloaded multiple images and videos of CSAM from Harris’s internet protocol (IP) address.
In May 2023, the FBI executed a search warrant at Harris’s residence and seized his laptop. A forensic examination of the computer revealed CSAM, three file wipers, and encryption software. In addition to the 21 images of CSAM recovered on the laptop, the forensic examination also uncovered a pattern of Harris downloading, viewing, and then deleting CSAM.
As a result of the investigation, Harris was charged with possessing child sexual abuse material. He was ultimately sentenced to five years in federal prison and ordered to forfeit the electronic device used in the commission of the offense.
In addition to the prison sentence, Harris must also pay a $250,000 fine and $22,000 in additional assessments. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman. Harris’s sentence is a stark reminder of the consequences of possessing child sexual abuse material and the importance of continued efforts to combat this heinous crime.
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Sex Crimes|Cybercrime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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