Former Lakin Correctional Officer Sentenced to Prison on Possession of Child Pornography Charge

HUNTINGTON, WV—A former Lakin Correctional Center officer was sentenced today to 46 months in prison by United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers for possession of child pornography. An investigation revealed that Joseph F. Roush Jr., 35, of Mason County, possessed more than 600 images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct on his computer located at a Mason residence where he was staying at the time. The investigation also revealed that the defendant used a peer-to-peer file-sharing program to download, receive, and share child pornography. The images had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce by a computer.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Johnston handled the prosecution.

This case is being prosecuted 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.