Gilmer Man Sentenced on Child Pornography Charges

William Allen Pipes sentenced to 33 months in federal prison for child pornography.

TYLER, TX – United States Attorney Rebecca A. Gregory announced today that a 33-year-old Gilmer, Texas man has been sentenced to 33 months in federal prison for child pornography violations in the Eastern District of Texas.

WILLIAM ALLEN PIPES pleaded guilty on June 26, 2008 to Possession of Material Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors and was sentenced today by United States District Judge Michael Schneider. Pipes was also ordered to forfeit all interest in a Blackberry and personal computer seized in this case.

According to information presented in court, on January 10, 2008, a federal search warrant was executed at Pipes' residence. During the search, Pipes' personal computer was seized. Forensic analysis revealed the computer contained digital images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Pipes admitted to possessing more than 300 images of child pornography.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC). In February 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys Offices, 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.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Secret Service and the Longview Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bill Baldwin.

Background via Tyler Paper