Central Texas Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Possessing Child Pornography

In Waco, 61-year-old Gary Joe Smith of Morgan, TX, was sentenced to six years in federal prison for possession of child pornography announced United States Attorney Robert Pitman and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Janice Ayala.

During the sentencing hearing held yesterday afternoon, United States District Judge Walter S. Smith, Jr., also ordered that Smith pay a $2,500 fine and be placed under supervised release for a period of five years after completing his prison term.  Smith remains on bond pending Bureau of Prisons facility designation.

According to court records, HSI agents who were conducting an investigation into on-line exploitation of minors executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence on April 23, 2013, and seized his home computer.  A subsequent forensics examination of the defendant’s computer revealed the presence of over 600 images depicting child pornography.  On March 6, 2014, Smith pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography.

“This sentence sends a clear message that those who exploit children in any way will face serious consequences,” said Special Agent in Charge Janice Ayala, HSI San Antonio.  “Preventing and investigating crimes against children is a high priority for HSI. We will continue to dedicate law enforcement resources to identify and bring to justice child predators that traumatize and victimize children.”

This case was investigated by special agents with HSI and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Greg Gloff.