David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that THOMAS E. STICKLE, 40, formerly of Hartford and Torrington, pleaded guilty today before United States Magistrate Judge Holly B. Fitzsimmons in Bridgeport to one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography.
           
According to court documents and statements made in court, from December 2009 to May 2010, STICKLE traded images of child pornography with other individuals by email.  A forensic examination of STICKLE’s computer and email account revealed approximately 478 images and six videos of child pornography.  Most of the images were of children under the age of 12 engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

STICKLE is scheduled to be sentenced by Senior United States District Judge Warren W. Eginton on August 2, 2012, at which time STICKLE faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years, a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years and a fine of up to $250,000.  The penalties in this matter are enhanced based on STICKLE’s prior conviction for possession of child pornography.

On August 8, 2003 in Connecticut Superior Court in Litchfield, STICKLE was convicted of possession of child pornography, sexual assault of a minor, and illegal sexual contact with a minor.

STICKLE has been detained in state custody since May 21, 2010, when he was arrested for violating the terms of his probation in connection with his prior state conviction.

This case is being investigated by the ICE Homeland Security Investigations and the Connecticut State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Neeraj Patel.
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.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

 

 

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