A South Portland resident, Sheldon Rembert, has pleaded guilty in a U.S. District Court to possessing child sexual abuse material. The plea follows an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), which executed a federal search warrant at Rembert's residence in April 2023. Agents found him in his bedroom and recovered a smartphone containing the illicit material.
During an interview with authorities, Rembert admitted that he had downloaded images and videos depicting child sexual abuse. A forensic examination of the device revealed content involving children as young as eight years old. This is not Rembert's first offense; he was previously convicted in 2020 for similar charges in Cumberland County Superior Court.
Rembert now faces a potential prison sentence ranging from 10 to 20 years, along with a maximum fine of $250,000. Following any prison term, he could also be subject to supervised release for five years to life. The final sentence will be determined by a federal district judge after considering various guidelines and statutory factors.
The case forms part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide. This program seeks to enhance coordination among federal, state, and local resources to apprehend offenders and rescue victims.
For those needing assistance or wishing to report incidents related to child sexual abuse material, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children offers resources via their website or helpline. Additionally, Maine residents can access support through a statewide sexual assault helpline.
