Logan Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison

CHARLESTON, WV— Brian P. Cornell, 49, of Logan, West Virginia, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. to five years in prison for possessing child pornography. Cornell previously pleaded guilty in December 2009, admitting to the charge. An investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation revealed that Cornell possessed hundreds of images of child pornography on his computer at his Logan residence. During the investigation, agents learned that Cornell also possessed images of child pornography on a computer in Phoenix, Arizona where he previously resided. According to court documents, Cornell used a peer-to-peer program to share images contained in his child pornography collection. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston handled the prosecution.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In February 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys Offices, 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 identify and rescue victims. For more information about cases and related activities please visit www.usdoj.gov/usao/wvs and www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.