BIRMINGHAM – Jason Earl Roy, 29, of Clanton pleaded guilty today in United States District Court in Birmingham for receipt and possession of child pornography.

Roy was indicted in December 2008.

According to the plea agreement, Jason Earl Roy received and possessed images of child pornography by using Peer-to-Peer software via the internet. During the search warrant, law enforcement located multiple items of computer media that contained images of child pornography.

A computer forensic analysis of the defendant’s computer media revealed thousands of images of child pornography. The images of child pornography depict children as young as approximately 18 months old involved in sadistic and masochistic conduct and bestiality.

“Roy admitted to using his parent’s computer and his own laptop, with P2P software, to share child pornography images.  These photos were produced in other states, other countries, and travelled via the internet,” stated United States Attorney Alice H. Martin.  “We aggressively pursue the ‘consumer’ of this filth as well as the producers.”

“A top priority of The Federal Bureau of Investigation is to seek out those who prey on innocent children,” said Carmen S. Adams, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation.   “Any suspicious online activity where a parent suspects their child may have been in contact with a sexual predator should be reported immediately.”

For Receipt of Child Pornography, Roy faces up to 20 years in prison with a mandatory minimum of 5 years and a fine of up to $250,000.  For Possession of Child Pornography, Roy faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative and continuing efforts to target individuals who possess and distribute child pornography.

In February 2006, former Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices nationwide, 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 identify and rescue victims.

For more information about the national Project Safe Childhood initiative, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/ .

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Daniel J. Fortune is prosecuting the matter on behalf of the United States.