Evidence presented in court revealed that Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) identified an internet user linked to a Conway address who conducted Bitcoin transactions with a Darknet site for purchasing child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). The investigation found the user engaged in several Bitcoin transactions between March 2016 and August 2016, using the username Laine Clark. A federal search warrant was executed at the Conway residence, where agents discovered multiple electronic devices. Forensic examination of these devices uncovered 10,910 images and 1,210 videos of CSAM. Clark was present during the search and admitted his involvement in activities related to CSAM.

United States District Judge Joseph Dawson III sentenced Clark to 78 months in prison, followed by a lifetime term of court-ordered supervision. In the federal system, there is no parole. Additionally, Clark was ordered to pay $41,000 in restitution.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood coordinates federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals exploiting children while identifying and rescuing victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at http://www.justice.gov/psc.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Hummel prosecuting.