Willard Perry, 68, of Milton, Vermont, was sentenced on July 24 to 60 months in prison and a 15-year term of supervised release for possession of child sexual abuse materials, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont. United States District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford imposed the sentence and scheduled a separate restitution hearing for September 16.
Perry previously pleaded guilty to one count related to possessing over 50,000 images and videos depicting child sexual abuse. According to court records, the material included content involving prepubescent female children between ages three and seven who were bound, blindfolded, and sexually assaulted.
First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt said he commended the investigatory efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Arra while Perry was represented by Brooks McArthur.
The prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice that brings together federal, state, and local resources to address child exploitation online and rescue victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood is available at Justice.gov/PSC.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont serves the state through enforcement of federal criminal laws and civil litigation on behalf of the United States; it also fosters partnerships with law enforcement agencies at all levels to enhance public safety from offices in Burlington and Rutland, according to its official website.