A Lewiston man appeared in U.S. District Court in Portland, pleading guilty to charges of possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material. Court records indicate that in June 2022, the Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit (MSPCCU) received CyberTips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) linking a phone number to Harold Clayton III, aged 35. A subsequent search warrant executed by MSPCCU and the Lewiston Police Department in September 2022 uncovered a cell phone and laptop at Clayton's residence. These devices contained images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children, some as young as toddlers, by adult men. Telegram Messenger communications on the cell phone revealed Clayton's distribution of these materials.
Clayton could face a sentence ranging from 5 to 20 years in prison for the distribution charge, with fines reaching up to $250,000. Additionally, the possession charge carries a potential penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a similar maximum fine. He awaits sentencing pending the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will decide the sentence, taking into account U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory considerations.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and MSPCCU, with support from the Lewiston Police Department.
"Child sexual abuse material – referred to in legal terms as 'child pornography' – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer revictimization every time the images are viewed." In 2023, NCMEC received 36 million reports involving child sexual abuse materials. Reports can be filed with NCMEC via https://report.cybertip.org or by calling 1-800-843-5678. In Maine, individuals affected by sexual assault or abuse can seek assistance through a 24-hour helpline at 1-800-871-7741.
The case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. The project aims to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse by coordinating federal, state, and local resources to prosecute offenders and assist victims. Additional information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/psc.
