BRIAN KEITH ALTON, 39, of Kelso, Washington, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to Possession of Child Pornography. When sentenced on March 13, 2009, by U.S. District Judge Ronald B. Leighton, both the defense and prosecution will recommend a sentence of 63 months in prison.

According to the plea agreement, on June 8, 2006, members of the Kelso Police Department executed a search warrant at ALTON’s Kelso home. Officers seized two computers and a video camera. A forensic examination of the computers revealed between 150 to 300 images of child pornography. Some of the images depicted children under the age of 12 engaged in sexually explicit conduct. On the video camera, examiners discovered a tape showing ALTON placing the camera in a concealed space in the bathroom of the home. The camera captures a young female relative undressing for a shower, and then stepping from the shower. The camera then records ALTON coming in to remove the recording device from its hidden location.

Under the terms of ALTON’s plea agreement, if Judge Leighton sentences him to the 63 month term, he cannot appeal his conviction or sentence.

ALTON was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood. In February 2006, the U.S. Department of Justice launched Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims.

This case was investigated by the Kelso Police Department and the FBI. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Dion.

For additional information please contact Emily Langlie, Public Affairs Officer for the United States Attorney’s Office, at (206) 553-4110.

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