Man Who Carried Child Pornography Across U.S.-Canada Border Sentenced To 20 Years In Federal Prison

          MARQUETTE, MICHIGAN — United States Attorney Andrew Birge announced today that Jason Harry Bishop was sentenced to 240 months (20 years) in federal prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Robert J. Jonker for transporting child pornography from Sault St. Marie, Michigan to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. Judge Jonker also sentenced Bishop to serve 10 years of supervision following his release from prison, pay a $40,000 fine, and pay $5,100 in special assessments.

          On January 27, 2017, Bishop crossed the U.S.-Canada border at Sault St. Marie. While crossing, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) became suspicious and sent Bishop for a secondary inspection. During the secondary inspection, CBSA located several photos of child pornography.

          CBSA forwarded Bishop’s electronic devices to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), which recovered child pornography and the following images Bishop took of himself:

          A review of Bishop’s criminal history uncovered that he solicited sex with underage children on at least three prior occasions.

          "Today's significant prison term against a convicted child predator should serve as a clear warning for those who target and prey on children," said Steve Francis, special agent in charge for HSI Detroit. "The aggressive investigation and prosecution of child predators remains among HSI's highest priorities."

          This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul Lochner and Davin Reust as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, county prosecutor’s offices, and federal, state, and local law enforcement work closely together to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children. Individuals with information or concerns about possible child exploitation should contact local law enforcement. For more information about Project Safe Childhood in West Michigan, including resources for children and parents, visit: http://www.justice.gov/usao/miw/programs/psc.html.

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