U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref | U.S. Department of Justice
A man from Yakima, Washington, has been sentenced to federal prison for possessing child sexual abuse material. U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref announced that on January 14, 2025, United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Joshua David Harding, 44, to 24 months in federal prison and seven years of supervised release.
The case involved Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tri-Cities and the Southeast Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force discovering in July 2023 that Harding may have been sharing and possessing such material through a website known for hosting contraband content. A search warrant was executed at Harding’s residence on August 17, 2023, leading to the seizure of electronic devices containing images and CGI/animated depictions of children being sexually abused.
U.S. Attorney Waldref stated, “The sentence imposed in this case recognizes the ongoing and lasting harm caused by child exploitation.” She emphasized the commitment of her office and law enforcement partners to seek justice for victims and hold offenders accountable.
Matthew Murphy, acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Seattle, remarked on the societal impact of child exploitation: “Exploitation of children, no matter the form, has detrimental effects on society and works to undermine the innocence of childhood." He highlighted the continued efforts of HSI and its partners to safeguard communities.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation. The program coordinates resources across federal, state, and local levels to locate offenders and rescue victims.
The investigation was conducted by the Southeast Regional ICAC Task Force with participation from Homeland Security Investigations as well as Richland and Kennewick Police Departments. Assistant United States Attorney Letitia A. Sikes prosecuted the case.
