An Alhambra man pleaded guilty in Federal Court Thursday to three child pornography charges.
In July, the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations searched a residence in which Robert Godsey, 34, and others lived. A notebook computer seized during the raid contained numerous video and image files of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, a spokesperson for Stephen Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, said.
Godsey told investigators that he was the only user of the computer and informed them, before the computer was searched, that it contained images and videos of child pornography, including some of children under 12. On the day investigators searched his residence, Godsey provided a videotaped statement in which he admitted to using the internet to collect and trade images and videos of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, the spokesperson said.
After obtaining Godsey’s consent to assume control of the e-mail account he used to trade image and video files of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, an HSI special agent found video and image files of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct on the account. Many of the files involved prepubescent minors, the spokesperson said.
Godsey pleaded guilty to distribution of visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct (Count 1), receipt of visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct (Count 2) and possession of visual depictions of prepubescent minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct (Count 3).
On Counts 1 and 2, Godsey faces a prison term of not less than five years but not more than 40 years, a fine up to $250,000 and supervised release of not less than five years to life. On Count 3, he faces a prison term of not more than 20 years, a fine up to $250,000 and supervised release of not less than five years to life.
Godsey’s sentencing is scheduled for March 13, 2015, in East St. Louis. Until then, he will be held in custody without bail.
