Substitute Teacher And Camp Counselor Sentenced For Distributing Child Pornography

BOSTON – A former substitute teacher and camp counselor was sentenced today for the distribution and possession of child pornography.

Bryce Garner, 23, of East Sandwich, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Patti B. Saris to seven years in prison to be followed by eight years of supervised release. Upon release, Garner must register as a sex offender.

Garner, who was previously employed as a substitute teacher, camp counselor and overnight babysitter/nanny, pleaded guilty in April 2014 to seven counts of distribution of child pornography and to possession of child pornography.

On Feb. 27, 2013, a federal agent in Oklahoma City conducting an on-line undercover investigation, observed Garner sharing 37 files with names consistent with child pornography. The images in the files depicted the sexual abuse of minor boys.

Agents later discovered that Garner was in possession of more than 2,300 images and more than 1,100 videos depicting the sexual abuse of children, as well as a substantial collection of child erotica. Garner used various on-line programs to find, download and share these images and videos. He was a prolific trader on these platforms, often sending child pornography unsolicited, being insistent about trading, and explicitly sending these images and videos in order to gain child pornography in return. The images and videos depict minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and were labeled with explicit names reflecting their content.

United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz and Vincent B. Lisi, Special Agent in
Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacy Dawson Belf of Ortiz’s Major Crimes Unit.

Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274.

The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.