Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth
Drake stated today that William F. Haynes, age 61, of Easley, pled guilty in
federal court in Greenville, to possession of child pornography, a violation of
Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A.
Senior United States District Judge Henry M. Herlong, Jr., of
Greenville, accepted the plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed
the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established
that law enforcement conducted a proactive investigation involving a
file-sharing network used by individuals with an interest in child
pornography. An undercover officer
downloaded images that Haynes had available for sharing.
A federal search warrant was obtained and executed. Electronic devices were seized and law
enforcement found over 8000 images of child pornography. Agents found images of
children under the age of 18, and some prepubescent, engaged in the lascivious
display of the genitals and sexual activity.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty Haynes can receive is a
fine of $250,000 and/or imprisonment for 20 years, supervised release of up to
life, plus a special assessment of $100.
The case was investigated by agents with the Federal Bureau
of Investigation. Assistant United
States Attorney Bill Watkins of the Greenville office handled the case.
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