Former local resident convicted for possessing over 500 images of child sexual abuse material

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 26-year-old Virginia man who previously resided in Corpus Christi has been found guilty despite claiming he was unaware it was illegal to possess child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei

The jury deliberated for approximately nine hours before convicting Anthony Porche following a three-day trial.

The investigation began in October 2023 when authorities discovered Porche had been engaging in activity involving images and videos depicting child sexual abuse material.

At trial, the jury heard how law enforcement executed a search warrant at Porche's residence and seized his electronic devices. A physical search of his cellphone resulted in the discovery of several pornographic images.

Porche admitted he downloaded child pornography on his phone over a few months and that there were at least five images of child pornography on his device.

Forensic analysis resulted in the discovery of approximately 500 images and videos depicting CSAM. Evidence further revealed that some of images depicted prepubescent children engaging in sexually explicit conduct and in lewd or lascivious poses.

The defense attempted to convince the jury Porche was insane due to his autism diagnosis, therefore not fully aware of his conduct and unable to understand his viewing and possessing CSAM was illegal. The jury did not believe those claims and found him guilty as charged.

U.S. District Judge David S. Morales presided over the trial and set sentencing for April 23. At that time, Porche faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

Porche was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations and Corpus Christi Police Department conducted the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Overman and Izaak Bruce are prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ's PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.