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Greenville Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child Pornography

U.S. Attorney’s Office August 17, 2010
  • District of South Carolina (803) 929-3000

COLUMBIA, SC—United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Jonathan Brian Couch, age 33, of Greenville, pled guilty today in federal court in Spartanburg to possession of child pornography, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A. United States District Judge Henry F. Floyd of Spartanburg accepted the plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed a presentence report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on August 3, 2007, a federal search warrant was executed at Couch’s place of business on White Horse Road in Greenville. The search was based on an investigation revealing that Couch was downloading and sharing child pornography using a peer-to-peer file sharing program. These programs allow users to search for and share with one another various types of files, including movies and pictures on the computers of other persons who are part of the network.

A forensic examination of Couch’s computer revealed images of child pornography. After being advised of his Miranda rights and waiving them, Couch admitted to agents that he used peer-to-peer file sharing to download and view child porn.

Prior to his first appearance in federal court, Couch fled the state and hid out in California. He eventually returned to South Carolina and was apprehended by state and federal officers on June 28, 2010.

Mr. Nettles stated the maximum penalty Couch can receive is a fine of $250,000 and/or imprisonment for 10 years, plus a special assessment of $100. The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney William J. Watkins, Jr. of the Greenville office handled the case.

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