NORFOLK, Va. - Richard Midgett, 50, of Virginia Beach, pleaded guilty today to a charge of distribution of child pornography.
According to a statement of facts filed with the plea agreement, on Nov. 10, 2014, Midgett used a peer-to-peer file-sharing network to distribute a computer file depicting child pornography. Later, after his computer equipment was seized during the execution of a search warrant, a forensic analysis of Midgett’s computer showed that he possessed approximately 33,000 images and 1,817 videos of child pornography.
Midgett was indicted by a federal grand jury on Sept. 8, 2015. Midgett faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison when sentenced on Feb. 8, 2016. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; and Clark E. Settles, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Washington, D.C., made the announcement after the plea was accepted by Senior U.S. District Judge Robert G. Doumar. Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Stoker is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:15cr114.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
