DOUGLAS, Ariz. — A Pima County resident was sentenced Feb. 21 to 97 months in prison for possessing child sexual abuse material. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) led the investigation.
“This sentence sends a clear message that there are serious consequences for those who display the grotesque behavior of exploiting children in any way,” said HSI Arizona Special Agent in Charge Fransisco B. Burrola. “Targeting crimes of this nature is a high priority for HSI and will continue to dedicate HSI resources to identify and bring to justice these individuals.”
Eric Lavon Williams, 36, of Pima, pleaded guilty to one count of knowing access of child pornography on July 12, 2023. When Williams is released from prison, he will be on supervised release for the remainder of his life and will be required to register as a sex offender.
On April 26, 2022, special agents with HSI Douglas began an investigation into Williams for possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material after receiving cyber tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. On June 29, 2022, HSI Douglas executed a search warrant at Williams’s Pima residence in Graham County. The investigation confirmed that Williams possessed and had distributed child sexual abuse material files to others using multiple online platforms. Williams’ wife, Cori, was also charged for distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material after the investigation showed that she had obtained such material for her husband and sent it to him. Cori Williams pleaded guilty to possession of child sexual abuse material on July 20, 2023, and is scheduled to be sentenced on April 17.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. attorneys’ offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
More information about Project Safe Childhood
Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona in Tucson Carin C. Duryee prosecuted the case.
HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free Tip Line at 866-347-2423. The tipline is staffed around the clock by investigators. From outside the United States and Canada, callers should dial 802-872-6199. Hearing impaired users can call TTY 802-872-6196.
HSI is the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats, specifically those criminal organizations that exploit the global infrastructure through which international trade, travel and finance move. HSI’s workforce of more than 8,700 employees consists of more than 6,000 special agents assigned to 237 cities throughout the United States, and 93 overseas locations in 56 countries. HSI’s international presence represents DHS’ largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement.
About HSI
HSI is the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats, specifically those criminal organizations that exploit the global infrastructure through which international trade, travel and finance move. HSI’s workforce of more than 8,700 employees consists of more than 6,000 special agents assigned to 237 cities throughout the United States, and 93 overseas locations in 56 countries. HSI’s international presence represents DHS’ largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement.