Timothy Ryan, a 35-year-old former resident of Sanbornton, New Hampshire, was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. This sentencing took place on October 17, 2024, after an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) revealed that Ryan was in possession of approximately 2,600 images of child sexual abuse material.
In December 2022, Ryan was initially charged with one count of possession of child sexual abuse material. This charge came after HSI special agents traced illicit internet activity to his residence and executed a federal search warrant on December 13, 2022. A forensic examination of Ryan's cellphone revealed the presence of approximately 2,600 files of apparent child sexual abuse material.
While on pretrial release for the original federal child sexual abuse material charge, Ryan reoffended in November 2023. He was subsequently charged with another count of possession of child sexual abuse material. On June 27, 2024, Ryan pled guilty to a superseding information charging him with two counts of possession of child sexual abuse material.
U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young also noted that Ryan's contempt for the conditions of his pretrial release, lack of remorse, and brazen disregard for accountability were appalling. The lengthy prison sentence aims to prevent Ryan from causing additional harm to child survivors of sexual abuse. https://www.dhs.gov/hsi/news/2024/10/18/new-hampshire-man-sentenced-over-7-years-federal-prison-possession-2600-images
Commentary
Possession of child sexual abuse material – child pornography – is not a victimless crime.
Each image or video of child sexual abuse material represents the sexual abuse of a real child. The distribution and possession of such material perpetuate the cycle of abuse because the demand for these images drives the production of new material, leading to further exploitation and harm to children. Offenders like Ryan contribute to this cycle by accessing and sharing these images, causing ongoing trauma to the victims depicted in the material.
HSI New England Special Agent in Charge, Michael J. Krol, emphasized that despite being arrested for possessing child sexual abuse material, Ryan continued to access CSAM while out on bond, resulting in additional federal charges. This highlights the persistent and dangerous nature of individuals involved in such offenses.
The final takeaway is that CSAM and sexual abuse and exploitation are linked. CSAM is a serious crime and should be reported when encountered.
