Access to the Internet is becoming easier every day, leading to widespread use of many websites. This access has led to greater prosecution of Internet crimes, such as cyberstalking, sexual exploitation of a child and the possession and distribution of child pornography. Recently, a Wisconsin man was convicted of child pornography. He now faces potentially severe penalties.
In Milwaukee, a federal jury convicted the man, a former barbershop owner, of producing, possessing and distributing child pornography. According to police, the man attempted to frame his landlord for possession of child pornography. Court records show that a local news reporter received a DVD with sexually explicit content that was labeled with the name of a businessman who was owed over $50,000 of rent by the accused. Police say a search of the defendant’s home and barbershop turned up a number of electronic storage devices and financial records. The convicted man faces significant penalties, including at least 30 years behind bars
Someone convicted of an Internet crime involving a sex offense could face penalties similar to that of a person convicted of a sex offense that was not related to the Internet. The conviction may carry penalties such as a listing on the state’s sex offender registry, mandatory treatment, time in jail or prison and probation.
A person who has been accused of an Internet-related sex offense may have several defenses which could apply to their case. It is important for a person accused of an Internet crime to be aware of their rights and potential defenses.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “Former Whitefish Bay barbershop owner convicted of child porn,” Bruce Vielmetti, Nov. 30, 2012
