Convicted Child Pornography Distributor Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison

Strategic Insights -

Dustin Smith, 31, of Utica, New York, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for distributing, receiving, and possessing child pornography. Smith, who had a prior conviction for sexual abuse in 2013, admitted to using a cell phone to exchange videos of child pornography with at least two identified minor children while under parole supervision. The sentence also includes a 15-year term of supervised release, $102,000 in restitution to victims, and registration as a sex offender upon release.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dustin Smith, a 31-year-old from Utica, New York, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for distributing, receiving, and possessing child pornography.
  • Smith had a prior conviction for sexual abuse in 2013 and was under parole supervision when he committed the child pornography offenses.
  • Smith admitted to using a cell phone to exchange videos of child pornography with at least two identified minor children.
  • The sentence also includes a 15-year term of supervised release, to begin after Smith's prison sentence is complete.
  • Smith must pay $102,000 in restitution to the victims of his offenses and forfeit the device he used to commit the crimes.
  • U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated that Smith's actions demonstrate that he cannot be at liberty without harming children.
  • HSI Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan said that Northern New York is a safer place with Smith behind bars.
  • The case was investigated by HSI with assistance from the New York State Police Computer Crimes Unit, New York State Parole, and Oneida County Sheriff's Office.
  • Assistant United States Attorney Jessica N. Carbone prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Statistics:

  • 20 years in prison for distributing, receiving, and possessing child pornography.
  • 15-year term of supervised release, to begin after Smith's prison sentence is complete.
  • $102,000 in restitution to the victims of Smith's offenses.
  • Smith must forfeit the device he used to commit the crimes.
  • Smith has a prior conviction for sexual abuse in 2013.
  • At least two identified minor children were identified as victims of Smith's child pornography offenses.

Sources:

  • United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III
  • HSI Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan
  • Assistant United States Attorney Jessica N. Carbone
  • United States Department of Justice
  • Project Safe Childhood (https://www.justice.gov/psc)