Winnsboro, Texas Man Guilty of Possessing Child Pornography

TYLER, TX—U.S. Attorney John M. Bales announced today that a 31-year-old Winnsboro, Texas man has pleaded guilty to federal child pornography violations in the Eastern District of Texas.

RYAN HEATH CLARK pleaded guilty to an Information charging him with possession of child pornography today before U.S. Magistrate Judge John D. Love.

According to information presented in court, on Mar. 24, 2009, law enforcement agents executed a federal search warrant at Clark's residence in Winnsboro and seized personal computer equipment.  A forensic analysis of the computer equipment revealed the presence of material involving the sexual exploitation of children.  Clark knowingly possessed the material, which had been shipped to him through interstate and foreign commerce. 

This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), 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 to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

Clark faces up to 10 years in federal prison.  A sentencing date has not been set.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Baldwin.