U.S. Attorney William S. Thompson | U.S. Department of Justice
Mark Radford, a 33-year-old resident of Huntington, West Virginia, has pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography. The plea was entered in court today.
Court documents and statements revealed that on November 3, 2020, law enforcement seized Radford's cell phone. A forensic examination uncovered approximately 22 images depicting minors in sexually explicit conduct. Radford admitted to downloading these images from the internet and acknowledged that some depicted prepubescent children engaged in sexual activities.
Radford's sentencing is set for May 5, 2025. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, with at least five years to a lifetime of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Additionally, he will be required to register as a sex offender.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Will Thompson who praised the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The hearing was presided over by United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lesley C. Shamblin and Julie M. White.
This prosecution falls under Project Safe Childhood, an initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide. The project coordinates federal, state, and local resources to apprehend those who exploit children sexually and to rescue victims.
Further information about Project Safe Childhood can be found on their website at www.justice.gov/psc.
Related court documents are available through PACER by searching Case No. 3:22-cr-61.
