Burlington Man Sentenced For Child Pornography Offense

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Malcolm Lewis, 38, of Burlington, Vermont, was sentenced on September 3, 2015, in United States District Court in Burlington, Vermont, to serve 106 months incarceration and a 10 year period of supervised release following his conviction on one count of distribution of child pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252(a)(2). Chief U.S. District Judge Christina Reiss also ordered Lewis to pay a $100 special assessment.

According to court records and proceedings, on May 1, 2014, a law enforcement officer was conducting undercover operations on the Ares file-sharing network. The officer observed that a computer using a particular Internet Protocol (IP) address was offering to share videos and still images of child pornography. The officer downloaded three video files from the user of the IP address. These video files depicted small children engaged in sexual activity with adult men, including sadistic and masochistic conduct. Law enforcement traced the IP address to a Burlington address, and obtained a warrant to search the location. Lewis lived at that location and during an interview with law enforcement, he admitted that he downloaded and collected videos and still images he knew to depict child pornography. During a forensic examination of Lewis’ computer, it was discovered that Lewis had more than 2,300 images and 100 videos depicting child pornography. Lewis personally produced approximately 21 of the videos depicting child pornography.

"Few things are more disturbing, heartbreaking, or upsetting to hear than that a child has been harmed by someone who is close to the family," said Matthew Etre, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HIS) Boston. "HSI is committed to bringing these predators to justice, and protecting those who shouldn't have to protect themselves."

United States Attorney Eric S. Miller commended HSI’s efforts in the investigation and prosecution of Lewis. The prosecution of Lewis was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara A. Masterson. Lewis was represented by David L. McColgin.

U.S. Attorney Miller noted that this prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney's Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.