Corpus Christi Man Convicted of Distribution of Child Pornography

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 26-year-old Corpus Christi man has admitted he illegally distributed child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Clinton Ray Stevens acknowledged he uploaded the images to an internet chat room called “UNderAg3.”

In January 2017, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) reported to law enforcement that known images of child pornography had been uploaded online. Authorities were able to link the specific IP address associated with the account to Stevens.

Law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence and seized several digital devices. A search of those devices resulted in the discovery of more than four videos and 575 images of child pornography. At that time, Stevens admitted to uploading the images.

Sentencing has been set before U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzalez Ramos on Sept. 11, 2018. At that time, Stevens faces not less than five and up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. Upon completion of any prison term imposed, he also faces a maximum of life on supervised release during which time the court can impose a number of special conditions designed to protect children and prohibit the use of the internet.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Corpus Christi Police Department’s – Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force conducted the investigation with the assistance of NCMEC.  

Assistant U.S. Attorney Hugo R. Martinez is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."