Seymour Man Pleads Guilty To Child Porn Possession

Joseph Calvin Laughner, 44, of Seymour, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty Tuesday before the United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in Bridgeport to one count of possession of child pornography. 

Laughner was a Naugatuck resident on Dec. 7, 2009, when Naugatuck Police and the Connecticut Computer Crimes Task Force conducted a search of his home and seized three computers and other items, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s office. 

Forensic analysis of the items seized revealed more than 300 images and 22 videos of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct, the press release states.

Judge Hall has scheduled sentencing for Sept. 5, at which time Laughner faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

Laughner has been released on a $100,000 bond since his arrest on December 3, 2010.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut Computer Crimes Task Force, which includes federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Deborah R. Slater.

The Connecticut Computer Crimes Task Force investigates crimes occurring over the Internet, including computer intrusion, Internet fraud, copyright violations, Internet threats and harassment, and on-line crimes against children. 

The Task Force also provides computer forensic review services for participating agencies. 

The Task Force is housed in the main FBI office in New Haven. For more information about the task force, please contact the FBI at 203 – 777-6311.

This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, and the District of Connecticut’s Operation Constant Vigilance,” which are aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.

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