California Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Producing Child Pornography

According to the plea agreement, Donald Snyder conspired with a woman in the Philippines, known only by her Internet username to produce child pornography. Initially, he used live Internet webcam showing young girls engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Eventually, the two discussed via Internet instant messaging the prospect of forming a business partnership whereby she would photograph minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct in the Philippines and then e-mail the images to him to sell in the United States. To further this business partnership, he wired money to the Philippines so that she could purchase a digital camera to take the photographs.

Soon after Snyder provided the seed money, she began emailing sexually explicit photographs of girls who were 7, 10, and 14 years old. At times, he directed the photography sessions by watching via his webcam and communicating his instructions for the poses he wanted via instant messaging. While she was photographing the young girls in the Philippines, Snyder used the Internet to market the photographs to select individuals. Before he could widely circulate the images, agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant for his residence and arrested him.

Snyder was indicted by a federal grand jury. He was charged with conspiring to produce child pornography, distributing child pornography, and possessing child pornography. He pleaded guilty to conspiring to produce child pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2251(e). The sentence was handed down by a United States District Court Judge. He  had faced a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 15 years. The terms of his supervised release require him to receive sex offender treatment, register as a sex offender, and avoid all contact with minors. He has been in custody since his initial appearance in federal court. He will remain in custody and be transferred to a federal institution to serve out his sentence. This prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The Los Angeles federal child pornography criminal defense attorneys at Marks & Brooklier are experienced and qualified to represent individuals who have been accused of federal child pornography or any related federal offense. Having the most skilled  federal criminal defense attorney will ensure you are provided with the defense you require to overcome the charges in your case. Attorneys  Donald Marks and  Anthony Brooklier have the experience necessary to present the type of defense that will allow a jury to view the facts without being caught up in the nature of the charges made against you. Contact our office for a free consultation.