NORFOLK, VA – Edward Joseph Matish III, 25, of Williamsburg, Virginia, is headed to federal prison after being sentenced to 40 months for a sickening crime. Matish was convicted of accessing, with intent to view, child pornography depicting a prepubescent minor. The sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge Henry Coke Morgan, Jr., also includes a hefty 10 years of supervised release following his incarceration.
The case, investigated by the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, revealed Matish’s involvement with “Playpen,” a clandestine website operating on the Tor network between August 2014 and March 2015. Playpen was a digital cesspool dedicated to the sharing of horrific images and videos exploiting children. Court documents detail how Matish repeatedly logged into the site between October 2014 and March 2015, actively consuming the vile content.
But the depravity doesn’t stop there. In December 2014, Matish didn’t just passively view the material. He contributed to the toxic environment, posting on the site about using Playpen to “control” his attraction to young girls. His words were a chilling encouragement to other predators, urging them to “[l]eave the touching to the brave souls willing to risk everything for our relief.” A disturbing admission of intent and a callous disregard for the victims.
Matish pleaded guilty on October 18, 2016, admitting to his actions. The investigation uncovered his consistent use of Playpen, confirming his deliberate access to the exploitative material. Federal prosecutors, led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin C. Gratton, presented a compelling case that ultimately led to this conviction and sentencing.
U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Martin Culbreth, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, jointly announced the sentencing, sending a clear message that such crimes will not be tolerated. This case highlights the FBI’s ongoing commitment to dismantling online platforms used for the exploitation of children and bringing perpetrators to justice.
For those seeking further information, a copy of the press release can be found on the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia website. Related court documents are available on the District Court website or through PACER, searching for Case No. 4:16-cr-16. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on similar instances of online exploitation.
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Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes|Cybercrime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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