David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HEATH TRAHAN, 38, formerly of North Windham, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to one count of production of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography.

According to court documents and statements made in court, TRAHAN was arrested on October 14, 2011 after investigators determined that he had emailed images of child pornography to an individual in New Jersey.  At the time of his arrest, investigators seized several computers and a mobile phone.  Forensic analysis of the seized phone determined that TRAHAN used it to take photographs of two minor children engaging in sexually explicit conduct.  Examination of the seized computers also revealed approximately 500 images and 60 videos of child pornography, which had not been produced by TRAHAN.

Judge Arterton has scheduled sentencing for March 11, 2013, at which time TRAHAN faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of 30 years for producing child pornography, and a minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of 20 years for distributing child pornography.

TRAHAN has been detained since his arrest.

This matter is being investigated by ICE Homeland Security Investigations with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Neeraj N. Patel and Deborah R. Slater.  Assistant United States Attorney Fabiana Pierre-Louis of the District of New Jersey has assisted in the investigation and prosecution of this matter.

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.justice.gov/psc.

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

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

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

 

 

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