Sex Offender Sentenced to Over 10 Years in Prison for Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material on Peer-to Peer Network

LAS VEGAS - A registered sex offender was sentenced today by United States District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey to 121 months in prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release for making available for download a large collection of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) utilizing a peer-to-peer network.

"The exploitation of children is a heinous crime that leaves lasting trauma on the most vulnerable members of our society," said First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. "This sentence reflects our unwavering commitment to holding predators accountable and removing them from our communities."

"The sexual exploitation of children is a grave offense that impacts young and vulnerable members of communities across the nation, including in Nevada," said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office. "We are dedicated to rescuing and supporting victims, as well as investigating and holding perpetrators responsible for these atrocious acts. Let today's sentencing underscore the FBI's commitment to collaborating with law enforcement partners to combat individuals who target minors. It should also serve as a clear warning to potential predators that the FBI is relentless in locating them and ensuring they face justice behind bars."

According to court documents, Jimmy Franklin Dearman possessed a large collection of child sexual abuse material of children, as young as infants, across five digital devices in his possession. He made available for download by other users of a peer-to-peer network approximately 239 files of child sexual abuse material and distributed at least 39 of the files. Additionally, Dearman possessed over 1,600 images and 242 videos of CSAM depicting the abuse of infants and toddlers, and children under the age of 12.

Dearman pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. In addition to the term of imprisonment, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, Dearman will be required to register as a sex offender and keep the registration current.

The FBI investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Afroza Yeasmin prosecuted this case.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

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