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LYFORD MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
U.S. Department of Justice
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Shana Jones, Special Assistant
LYFORD MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
Francisco Rodriguez III, 39, of Lyford, Texas, entered a guilty plea to the federal felony offense before United States District Judge Andrew Hanen this morning. Rodriguez faces a maximum of 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000 followed by no less than five years up to a maximum lifetime term of supervised release at sentencing scheduled for Jan. 12, 2009. The FBI-led investigation, which lead to the charges against Rodriguez, began when Internet service providers discovered apparent child pornography while performing an installation at Rodriguez’s home. A search of the house by investigating agents resulted in the discovery of more than 25,000 images and numerous videos of child pornography and child erotica on Rodriguez’s computer and many CD and DVD discs in Rodriguez’s possession. Rodriguez has been permitted to remain on bond pending his sentencing. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Leonard is prosecuting the case. This case 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. Led by United States Attorneys’ 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 to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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