Macon Man Sentenced For Possession Of Child Pornography

MACON-- United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, Charles E.  Peeler, announced Tuesday that 26-year-old Robert Murphy of Macon was sentenced by United States District Judge Marc T. Treadwell on October 15, 2018, to 36 months imprisonment, followed by 25 years of supervised release and $3,000 restitution to three separate victims for possession of child pornography.

Law enforcement found 109 images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct on Mr. Murphy’s computer, according to facts listed in the plea agreement. In April 2016, a federal law enforcement agent discovered child pornography files available for sharing through an internet connection associated with Mr. Murphy’s residence. Following a federal search warrant, Mr. Murphy was found at the residence and admitted to searching for and downloading child pornography using peer-to-peer programs.  He also admitted to looking for child pornography, downloading, watching, and later deleting the files.

“Possession of child pornography is not a victimless crime. When people download or view these horrific images of real children being subjected to unspeakable acts, those children are once again made victims and suffer real harm,” said Charles Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “My office will continue to vigorously prosecute these cases.”

“We are grateful for the work of Homeland Security, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Jones County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance with this case,” said Mr. Peeler.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. McCullers prosecuted the case for the Government.

Questions concerning this case can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.