Macomb Township Man Found Guilty of Manufacturing and Distributing Child Pornography

A 33-year-old Macomb Township man was convicted today by a federal jury in Detroit of producing and distributing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Barbara L. McQuade announced today.

McQuade was joined in the announcement by Robert D. Foley, III, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Thomas William Wooten was found guilty following a five-day trial before U.S. District Judge Marianne O. Battani. The evidence at trial showed that Wooten produced and distributed on the Internet pornographic images of a 3-year-old girl, including a video of her engaging in a sexual act with Wooten. Wooten also downloaded and collected hundreds of child pornographic images and videos, some of which he obtained by trading the images he created.

Wooten faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years in prison on the two counts of production of child pornography; 20 years in prison on the distribution and receipt counts; and 10 years in prison on the possession count. The actual sentence imposed will depend on a number of factors, including the defendant’s criminal record and Sentencing Guidelines. Sentencing is scheduled for March 19, 2013.

“Regrettably, the Internet provides child predators with a ready market for child pornography, but it also helps us to rescue children who are being sexually abused,” McQuade said.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Foley stated, “These despicable crimes victimize and exploit innocent children. The FBI is committed to the arrest and prosecution of criminals who engage in such deplorable, heinous behavior.”

The case was investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hala Jarbou.