(SitNews) Anchorage, Alaska - Kenny Appuallo Gregory, 29, of Anchorage, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sharon L. Gleason, to serve five years in prison, followed by a 20-year term of supervised release, for possession of child pornography. The sentencing announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder.

According to court documents, between April 2, 2016, and April 8, 2016, Gregory exchanged emails with an undercover law enforcement agent.  In these emails, Gregory offered to share with the undercover agent a link to images and videos of child pornography.  In his email, he attached a link to the Internet photo-sharing site that contained child pornography, and Gregory wrote, “And I hope you give me something nice, in return I’ll let you see my stuff.  Here you go and have fun.”  Gregory also sent via email a video showing the sexual molestation of a girl approximately 5 to 9 years old.

Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Gregory’s email address.  The results of the warrant contained the emails described above.  Later, HSI agents contacted Gregory at his Anchorage residence and he agreed to speak with the special agents after being advised of his rights.  During his interview, Gregory admitted that he was the user of the email address with whom the undercover agent was communicating.  When shown the email communications, Gregory replied, “looks like you guys have it all down.”  A search of Gregory’s phone revealed approximately 300 images and videos of child pornography that Gregory had downloaded through the internet.

At sentencing, Judge Gleason noted the harm that Gregory’s conduct had on the children shown in the images he possessed.  Judge Gleason described the victim impact statements submitted in the case, and the victims’ inability to live normal lives knowing that individuals like Gregory are downloading, viewing, and trading videos that show the victims being sexually abused.  Judge Gleason stated, “those letters always bring home the seriousness of this offense.” 

Judge Gleason also noted that the sentence was intended to send a message to others who might trade child pornography. 

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Reardon prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.  Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices nationwide and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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. 

Recently this year:

Justin Raymond Nekeferoff, 32, resident of Wasilla, Alaska, was sentenced by United States District Judge Timothy M. Burgess, to 50 years in prison, to be followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, for attempted production of child pornography and attempted enticement of a minor.

Eric Whitebread, 43, resident of North Pole, Alaska, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ralph R. Beistline, to 15 years in prison, to be followed by a 35-year term of supervised release, for distribution and receipt of child pornography.

Adam Scott Pike, 43, formerly of Rochester, Minnesota, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sharon L. Gleason, to serve 22.5 years in prison, to be followed by a life term of supervised release, for traveling to Alaska with the intent to have sex with a minor, and distribution of child pornography.

The District of Alaska has staffed offices in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau.

On the Web:

Project Safe Childhood
www.projectsafechildhood.gov

 

Editing by Mary Kauffman, SitNews

Source of News:

US Dept of Justice - Alaska District
www.justice.gov

 

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