Michael Cusimano, age 59, of Harvey, Louisiana, was charged by bill of information on July 9 with possession of materials involving the sexual exploitation of minors, according to a July 14 announcement from U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. The charge alleges violations under Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(4)(B) and (b)(2).
If convicted, Cusimano faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years and a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment. He may also be subject to a fine up to $250,000, supervised release for at least five years and up to life, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Court documents state that beginning at an unknown time until May 27, Cusimano possessed and attempted to possess images and videos depicting pre-pubescent child pornography. On May 27, state law enforcement officials and federal agents searched his home. During the execution of the search warrant, federal agents arrested Cusimano after locating electronic devices and media containing evidence related to the sexual abuse of prepubescent children.
Courcelle said that “the bill of information is merely a charge, and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.” The case is part of Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice—to combat child sexual exploitation online.
Project Safe Childhood brings together federal, state and local resources to locate offenders who exploit children via the Internet as well as identify victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Courcelle praised the work conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey N. Knight from the Financial Crimes Unit is handling prosecution.