United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Childhood:
DANBURY MAN ARRESTED ON
FEDERAL CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGE

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Bruce M. Foucart, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations office in Boston, announced that ALBERT BARNES, also known as “Fritz,” 61, of French Street, Danbury, was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint charging him with one count of possession of child pornography.

The criminal complaint alleges that, in November 2008, ICE Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) initiated an undercover investigation related to an illegal web site that allowed access to child pornographic image and video files for a monthly fee.  It is alleged that, on November 16, 2008, BARNES accessed the member-restricted website to obtain numerous visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

In July 2010, ICE HSI agents seized two desktop computers from BARNES’ residence.  Subsequent analysis of the computers has allegedly revealed approximately 150 suspected child pornography images.

Following BARNES’ arrest today, he appeared United States Magistrate Judge Thomas P. Smith in Hartford and was released on a bond in the amount of $50,000.

If convicted of the charge of possession of child pornography, BARNES faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

U.S. Attorney Fein stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case is being investigated ICE Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Deborah R. Slater.

U.S. Attorney Fein noted that this prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.

CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
thomas.carson@usdoj.gov