William Wellington Hooper, Jr., Child Sex Abuse, Virginia 2019

RICHMOND, Va. – In a shocking verdict, a federal jury has convicted 53-year-old William Wellington Hooper, Jr. of charges of conspiracy to produce child pornography, production of child pornography and coercion and enticement of a child.

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Hooper conspired with Jennifer Hutchens, 53, of Gloucester, to produce images of child sexual abuse of Jane Doe #1 and Jane Doe #2. During the months of April and May 2019, Hooper and Hutchens coerced Jane Doe #1 to engage in sexually explicit conduct in Gloucester County and Mathews County.

Hutchens, at the request of Hooper, recruited other minor girls to participate in what Hooper called “teen modeling”. He promised these children, whose families were struggling financially, that they would be compensated. Hooper also sexually abused Jane Doe #1.

Hutchens previously pleaded guilty to producing child pornography and is scheduled to be sentenced on October 13.

Hooper was convicted on Friday and faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years to life in prison when sentenced on February 9, 2021. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

This 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.

Hooper's crimes are a stark reminder of the dangers of child exploitation and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edva/pr/jury-convicts-man-producing-images-child-sexual-abuse