Feb. 2, 2010

FRANKLIN COUNTY MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO PRODUCING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Ronald Schulz, 54, Rantoul, Kan., has pleaded guilty to producing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch said today.

In his plea, Schulz admitted that he became a target of a criminal investigation when an undercover officer in Sacramento, Calif., received images of child pornography over the Internet. The officer traced the images to Schulz in Rantoul, Kan.

Agents of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement served search warrants in August and September 2009 at Schulz’s home. Among thousands of images of child pornography, investigators found photos of a 2-month-old girl who was a relative of Schulz. In the photos, Schulz was shown touching the child’s genitals.

Sentencing is set for April 27, 2010. He faces a penalty of not less than 15 years and not more than 30 years and a fine up to $250,000. Welch commended Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Martin for their work on the case.

This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the U.S. Department of Justice to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. For more information see www.projectsafechildhood.gov