Convicted Sex Offender Charged With Distribution And Possession Of Child Pornography

BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney Walt Green announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging ANTHONY T. KURTZ, age 40, of Livingston, Louisiana, with distribution of child pornography, possession of child pornography, and forfeiture.

According to the Indictment, KURTZ possessed child pornography which contained images of pre-pubescent minors and minors who were under 12 years of age.  Both the child pornography that KURTZ distributed and possessed had been transported using means and facility of interstate and foreign commerce.  The indictment further alleges that offenses were committed after KURTZ had previously been convicted of sexual assault and indecent assault in the State of Pennsylvania.

U.S. Attorney Walt Green stated:  “Children victimized during the production of child pornography are re-victimized every time these images are distributed and viewed on the internet.  This office will continue to protect society’s most vulnerable citizens by vigorously prosecuting any individuals who distribute and possess images of children being sexually abused.”

“Individuals who distribute child pornography further injure innocent victims each time these illegal images are distributed more widely online,” said Raymond R. Parmer Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HIS) New Orleans.  “Child sex abuse is one of the most serious crimes HSI investigates due to the lasting psychological and physical damage it can inflict on victims, and as such it will continue to be one of the agency’s highest priorities.”

This matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office – Cyber Crime Unit.

This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan R. Crosswell.

NOTE: An indictment is an accusation by the Grand Jury.  The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless adjudicated guilty at trial or through a guilty plea.