Pennsylvania man sentenced for distribution of child pornography
SCRANTON — A Scranton, Pennsylvania, man was sentenced Friday on child pornography distribution charge, following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Cedrick Vaughn Perkins, age 20, of Orangeville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment on child pornography distribution charges, ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution, and to register as a sex offender.
HSI received information from the Pennsylvania Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, that Perkins uploaded numerous videos containing child pornography, between January and June 2015. Forensic examination of Perkins’s cell phone and computer revealed approximately 75 images and 90 videos of child pornography.
“HSI agents are committed to thwarting the distribution of child pornography, and ensuring criminals like the defendant are brought to justice for preying on vulnerable children,” said Marlon V. Miller, special agent in charge of HSI in Pennsylvania.
This investigation was conducted under HSI’s Operation Predator, an international initiative to protect children from sexual predators. Since the launch of Operation Predator in 2003, HSI has arrested more than 14,000 individuals for crimes against children, including the production and distribution of online child pornography, traveling overseas for sex with minors, and sex trafficking of children. In fiscal year 2015, nearly 2,400 individuals were arrested by HSI special agents under this initiative and more than 1,000 victims identified or rescued.
HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators. From outside the U.S. and Canada, callers should dial 802-872-6199. Hearing impaired users can call TTY 802-872-6196.
Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, an Operation Predator partner, via its toll-free 24-hour hotline, 1-800-THE-LOST.
For additional information about wanted suspected child predators, download HSI’s Operation Predator smartphone app or visit the online suspect alerts page.
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