Monongalia County man admits to child pornography charge

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Thomas John Winston, of Westover, West Virginia, has admitted to a child pornography charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Winston, 31, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Possession of Child Pornography – Previous Conviction.” Winston, who has previously been convicted of a similar charge in Preston County, West Virginia, admitted to having child pornographic images in August 2019 in Preston County.

Winston faces at least 10 and up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250 ,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI investigated.

U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.