A man from Topsham, Maine, has pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Portland to four counts of sexually exploiting a child. The individual, Henry Eichman, 64, was identified in files found on hidden devices containing child sexual abuse material.

In August 2022, an employee of a Brunswick landscaping company discovered two laptops and several hard drives concealed under a kayak on the company's premises. Upon examining the devices, the worker found content that included images and videos of child sexual abuse material. Eichman was recognized in some of these files. A forensic examination by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) revealed over 500 images and videos documenting such material. The investigation uncovered footage showing Eichman setting up recording equipment and participating in the abuse of four minor victims between 2014 and 2016.

Eichman had previously entered an Alford plea in state court in 2018 related to the sexual abuse of children and is currently serving a ten-year sentence for those charges.

For his federal offenses, Eichman faces potential imprisonment ranging from 15 to 30 years per count, along with a maximum fine of $250,000. Each count could also result in five years to life of supervised release following incarceration. A federal district judge will determine his final sentence after reviewing U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other legal factors.

The case was investigated by HSI with support from the Topsham Police Department.

To report incidents involving child pornography or exploitation materials: Child sexual abuse material—legally referred to as "child pornography"—captures instances of child exploitation and abuse. Victims face revictimization whenever these images are accessed or shared. In 2023 alone, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children received reports totaling 36 million concerning possession or distribution of such materials. Reports can be filed at https://report.cybertip.org or by calling 1-800-843-5678. For assistance within Maine regarding sexual assault or abuse cases, individuals can contact the free statewide helpline at 1-800-871-7741 available around-the-clock.

This case forms part of Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse through coordinated efforts across federal, state, and local levels to prosecute offenders while identifying victims for rescue operations.