Houston Resident Convicted on Multiple Child Pornography Charges

HOUSTON – A 28-year-old man from Houston has entered a guilty plea to all counts as charged - distribution, receipt and possession of child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.

Samier Patrick Clark first came to the attention of law enforcement in September 2016 after multiple images of child pornography were found associated with his online account. Authorities discovered Clark used a peer-to-peer network to obtain child pornography and later conducted a search of his residence, leading to the discovery of 68 videos and 143 images. Some of the images are of known victims identified through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Clark admitted ownership of the child pornography as well as the online account and computer media he used to obtain it.  

During the plea hearing today, Clark admitted to using peer-to-peer software to search for, download and obtain child pornography. He also admitted to distributing the child pornography through his online account.    

Sentencing has been set for Jan. 23, 2018, before U.S. District Judge David Hittner. At that time, Clark faces a minimum of five and up to 20 years imprisonment for distribution and receipt of child pornography as well as a maximum of 10 years for the possession conviction. Each count also carries a possible $250,000 maximum fine. Clark will also be required to register as a sex offender.

Following the hearing today, Judge Hittner revoked Clark’s bond and ordered him into custody where he will remain pending his sentencing hearing.  

The FBI conducted the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie N. Searle 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."