Convicted Felon Sentenced To 10 Years In Federal Prison For Possession Of Child Sexual Abuse Materials And Drug And Firearms Offenses

SAN FRANCISCO – Rodney Williams was sentenced today to 120 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography, possession of methamphetamine and cocaine with intent to distribute, and possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon.  Senior U.S. District Judge Susan Illston handed down the sentence.

Williams, 55, of San Francisco, was charged by information on Oct. 7, 2024.  On May 16, 2025, he pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of child pornography, one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of cocaine, and one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. 

According to the plea agreement, on or about July 24, 2024, law enforcement conducted a search of Williams’s home and vehicle in the Potrero Hill neighborhood of San Francisco, which led to the finding of his iPhone.  Williams admitted that his iPhone contained 555 images and 147 videos depicting child sexual abuse materials, and that at least one of these files depicted a minor under 12 years old.  Separately, Williams also admitted that on or about April 3, 2024, he knowingly possessed nine video files in his digital storage account depicting child sexual abuse materials, including at least one file that depicted a minor under 12 years old. 

Law enforcement also found controlled substances and firearms during the July 24, 2024, search.  Specifically, Williams possessed with intent to distribute nearly 3.8 kilograms of methamphetamine and over 1 kilogram of cocaine.  Williams also acknowledged possessing approximately 100 grams net weight of heroin and approximately 17 grams of fentanyl.  He also possessed 11 firearms and two other weapons, including two AK-style rifles, two AR-style rifles, a semiautomatic .22 caliber rifle, a bolt-action rifle, five semiautomatic handguns, a revolver handgun, and a shotgun, as well as over 116 pounds of ammunition of multiple calibers.  In addition, he had body armor, as well as various firearm magazines and accessories, such as optical scopes and a firearm suppressor.  At the time Williams possessed the firearms and ammunition, he had been convicted of multiple felonies, including, among others, assault with a firearm on a person and harmful material sent to induce a minor.

United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Brannigan, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Topper made the announcement.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Illston also sentenced the defendant to a five-year period of supervised release and ordered him to pay $89,000 in restitution to victims of the child sexual abuse material he possessed.  The defendant was immediately remanded into custody to begin serving his sentence.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Eli J. Cohen prosecuted the case.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by HSI, ATF, and the San Francisco Police Department.