Virginia man sentenced to 84 months in prison on child porn charge

ROANOKE, Va. - Following a joint investigation led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Christopher A. Pearson, 29, of Roanoke was sentenced today to 84 months of federal incarceration and 10 years of supervised release on charges related to his possession of child pornography.

"This case demonstrates the resolve of Homeland Security Investigations to investigate those who possess images of innocent children being sexually exploited and traumatized," said John P. Torres, special agent in charge of ICE HSI in Washington, D.C. "Working with our state, local and federal law enforcement partners, we will continue to utilize our resources to protect our nation's most valuable asset, our children."

According to court documents, the investigation of Mr. Pearson began with a lead from the ICE office in Portland, Ore. concerning the trading of child pornography. As ICE agents were investigating a file server used to store and distribute images of child pornography, the log files identified a computer user in Roanoke. After obtaining a search warrant for the defendant's home, a forensic examination of the items seized from the defendant's home revealed numerous images and videos depicting children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Specifically, the forensic examiner recovered hundreds of images from a DVD labeled "Pixalz." The Pixalz DVD, which the defendant has admitted to possessing, contained hundreds of images depicting prepubescent children engaged in lascivious exhibition of genitals and sexually explicit conduct with adults.

"The spread of child pornography is an epidemic that has reached every corner of our country," United States Attorney Timothy J. Heaphy said today. "We must continue to be vigilant in prosecuting not only those who produce these disgusting images, but also defendants like Mr. Pearson who provide the demand for this vile material by viewing, possessing and trading child pornography."

The investigation of the case was conducted by ICE HSI, the Virginia Attorney General's Office and the FBI.