United States Attorney Leura G. Canary Middle District of Alabama

VALLEY, ALABAMA MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO
POSSESSING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

MONTGOMERY, Ala.— Roger Keith Garner, age 30, of Valley, Alabama, pled guilty yesterday to federal charges of possessing child pornography in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama before United States Magistrate Judge Susan Russ Walker, U.S. Attorney Leura G. Canary announced.

Garner admitted to possessing almost 90 images of children engaged in sexually explicit activities. More than a quarter of the images portrayed sadistic or masochistic conduct, and almost 70% of the images involved a prepubescent minor, or a minor who has not attained the age of 12. These images were found on Garner’s home computer. Garner is facing a maximum fine of $250,000 and up to 10 years in prison, and lifetime supervised release. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.

Garner is also facing charges at the state level for, among other things, attempted sodomy of a 3-year-old girl. The state case, which is being prosecuted by District Attorney E. Paul Jones, has been continued pending resolution of the federal charges. Attempted sodomy is a class B felony punishable by a sentence of 2 to 20 years.

U.S. Attorney Canary stated, “The nation is facing an internet-driven epidemic of child pornography. The proliferation of child pornography is dangerous for many reasons, among them the relationship between the possession of child pornography and molestation of children. Mr. Garner’s case is another example of the Middle District’s implementation of Project Safe Childhood. Our office is working hand in hand with federal, state and local law enforcement and prosecutors to bring to justice all offenders who pose a threat to children.”

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In May 2006, the Department of Justice launched Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by 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 to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

This case was investigated by the Detective Tony Ward, formerly of the Valley Police Department, with the cooperation of Detective Matt Young of the Lanett Police Department. The federal case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher A. Snyder.