Montana Man Guilty of Possessing Child Pornography

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Michael Blackburn, age 63, of Belgrade, Montana, appeared before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken on October 29, 2012, and pled guilty to Count III of an Indictment that charged him with Possession of Child Pornography. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years' imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine.

In April 2012, at Rapid City, Blackburn knowingly possessed computer files that contained images of child pornography. The investigation was conducted by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for February 25, 2013. The defendant remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing.