August 12, 2015

Newport News Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Child Pornography Case

NEWPORT NEWS, VA—Eric Thomas Boettcher, 58, of Newport News, was sentenced today to 120 months in prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release for receipt of child pornography.

Boettcher pleaded guilty on April 16, 2015. According to court documents, federal agents were able to determine that someone using a particular Internet protocol address was sharing child pornography files. That online activity was then linked to Boettcher’s residence. Agents executed a search warrant on Boettcher’s home in Newport News, Virginia on Oct. 17, 2014. Agents seized numerous electronic devices found in the home. A forensic exam of the devices revealed over 150,000 images of child pornography, including video depicting actual and simulated sadistic or masochistic abuse by an adult male with a minor male child and oral-genital sexual intercourse by an adult male with a minor male child.

Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; and John S. Adams, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Mark S. Davis.

This case was investigated by the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa R. McKeel is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:15-cr-8.