Marion County, WV man pleads guilty to possessing child pornography

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael P. Lough, 28, of Fairmont, West Virginia, pled guilty today to possession of child pornography, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Lough utilized an internet based website to access images of child pornography. In July 2015, using online surveillance and investigatory techniques, authorities discovered Lough to be in possession of various images of child pornography.

Lough pled guilty today to an Information charging him with one count of “Possession of Child Pornography.” He faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Montoro prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the inquiry.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.