Crowley Man Sentenced in Federal Court for Production of Child Pornography

LAFAYETTE, LA—United States Attorney Donald W. Washington announced that JAMES TRENT MOUTON, age 23, of Crowley, Louisiana, was sentenced in United States District Court for production of child pornography. U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik, Sr. sentenced MOUTON to 15 years, 4 months in prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release.

MOUTON was indicted in May 2008, and pled guilty on July 28, 2008, to one count of production of child pornography.

Pursuant to a national FBI investigation, evidence revealed that MOUTON was distributing child pornography using the internet. Following a search warrant which was executed at the defendant’s residence, a computer was found at the defendant’s work containing child pornography. Also seized, was the defendant’s cell phone on which images can be found of a boy masturbating. MOUTON could also be seen in the image. MOUTON admitted the he had taken the images of the boy found on his telephone. The boy was 14 years of age at the time. Images of two other boys masturbating were also found on MOUTON’s computer. MOUTON admitted he took those images also.

At the sentencing today, Judge Haik recommended that MOUTON be sent to the Federal Prison located in Devin, Massachusetts, where he could receive extensive treatment for his sexual problem. He also ordered that MOUTON receive treatment while on supervised release.

U. S. Attorney Donald Washington stated: “Children are sexually exploited daily. This office will actively continue investigating and prosecuting such matters seeking maximum punishment. Children’s safety, emotional well-being and their very lives depend on such investigations and prosecutions.”

Sentencing in federal court is determined by the discretion of federal judges and the governing statute. United States Sentencing Guidelines established by the United States Congress and the United States Sentencing Commission are only used as guidelines by the judge in determining the appropriate sentence. Parole has been abolished in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Luke Walker.