Tampa, Florida - U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Kevin Brien Darr (50, Bradenton) to 27 years in federal prison for transporting and receiving child pornography. The Court also ordered him to forfeit two cellphones he had used during the offenses. Darr pleaded guilty on Sept. 16, 2015.
According to court documents, in May 2015, an undercover law enforcement officer observed multiple child pornography files that Darr had been posted to an Internet messaging application. On June 25, 2015, a search warrant was executed at Darr’s residence and agents seized his cellphones. Forensic analyses of the phones revealed more than 500 videos and 4,000 images of child pornography, including multiple files depicting prepubescent minors and sadomasochistic conduct. During the sentencing hearing, Darr admitted to previously abusing a minor female over a period of several years.
"This predator possessed thousands of images of the most egregious crimes against our children. Every time these horrific images or videos are viewed, it amplifies the pain inflicted on these young victims," said Susan L. McCormick, special agent in charge of HSI Tampa. "This strong sentence emphasizes how committed we are to protecting our children and bringing these criminals to justice."
This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Peresie and Rachel Jones.
It is another case 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 and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
