A Morris, Alabama man has been sentenced to over 15 years in prison for possessing child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Anna M. Manasco sentenced Joel Wesley Dillard, 47, to 189 months in prison and a lifetime of supervised release after he pleaded guilty in June to possession of child pornography.
According to court documents, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a tip from Snapchat on June 15, 2022, reporting that Dillard had uploaded videos containing child pornography. NCMEC forwarded this information to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s cyber tip line. Investigators traced the IP address used by Dillard back to his residence in Morris, Alabama.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency executed a search warrant at Dillard’s home and seized 17 electronic devices. Forensic analysis revealed more than 13,000 images of child pornography on these devices. Agents also found Telegram messages where Dillard discussed trading child pornography with others.
U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona announced the sentencing.
“If you suspect or become aware of possible sexual exploitation of a child, please contact law enforcement. To alert the FBI Birmingham Office, call 205-326-6166. Reports can also be filed with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) or online at www.cybertipline.org,” stated officials.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative started by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse through coordinated federal, state, and local efforts. More information about Project Safe Childhood is available at www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The investigation involved the FBI, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel S. McBrayer led the prosecution.
