Salem Man Sentenced to 60 Months for Distribution of Child Pornography

          CONCORD - Leonidas N. Mavrogenis, Jr., 62, of Salem, was sentenced to serve 60 months in federal prison for distribution of child pornography, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.  Mavrogenis was also ordered to pay $8,000 in restitution.

           According to court documents and statements made in court, during an ongoing undercover investigation, a member of the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force accessed a peer-to-peer network to identify users who may be sharing images of child pornography.  Between February 8, 2018, and March 23, 2018, law enforcement officers conducted downloads of child pornography from an I.P. address later found to belong to Mavrogenis. On August 1, 2018, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence in Salem.  During the search, law enforcement seized computer equipment and electronic devices for forensic examination.  Subsequent forensic examination revealed thousands of still images and hundreds of video files containing child pornography, including videos and images downloaded by law enforcement during their investigation.

            “Those who distribute child pornography are sharing horrific images of young people who have been abused,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “In order to stop this savage exploitation of children, we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to see that those responsible are held accountable in court. This serious crime will result in serious federal prison time.”

              “This sentence serves as a warning to any who diminish the seriousness of the sharing of such disturbing images.” said Michael Shea, acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Boston. “Together with our partners in the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, HSI Boston congratulates the U.S. Attorney’s office for their success in ensuring justice was done in this case. We hope today’s sentence brings some measure of restoration to the lives of those who are victimized by the actions of Mavrogenis and any others who spread this garbage online.”

              This matter was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cam Le.

              In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorney’s 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. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov