Mark H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, has announced that Michael W. Landon, 38, of Groton, has pleaded guilty to child exploitation offenses. The plea took place before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport.
Court documents and statements reveal that on April 4, 2023, law enforcement seized Landon's iPhone. A forensic analysis of the device uncovered a video where Landon was involved in sexually explicit conduct with a minor below 12 years and other videos showcasing child sexual abuse.
Landon admitted guilt to producing child pornography, an offense with a mandatory minimum imprisonment term of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years. He also pleaded guilty to possessing and accessing child pornography with intent to view, carrying a maximum imprisonment term of 20 years. Judge Dooley has scheduled his sentencing for July 2.
Landon has been in detention since his arrest on related state charges on June 28, 2023.
The investigation into this matter was undertaken by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Town of Groton Police Department. The prosecution is being led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean P. Mahard and Nancy V. Gifford under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, designed to combat child sexual abuse and exploitation. Additional details about Project Safe Childhood can be accessed at www.justice.gov/psc.
Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman extended his gratitude to the New London State Attorney’s Office for its cooperation in this case.
For reporting cases of child exploitation, visit www.cybertipline.com.
