Latest Legal News from the Criminal Courts in Houston, Texas

April 27, 2006

GRAND SALINE MAN SENTENCED FOR
POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

(Tyler, TX) United States Attorney Matthew D. Orwig announced today that a 54-year-old Grand Saline man has been sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography in the Eastern District of Texas. DARWIN LEE HAWTHORNE was sentenced today by United States District Judge Leonard Davis.

Although the sentencing guidelines called for incarceration between 46-57 months, Judge Davis decided upon a sentence of 24 months. U.S. Attorney Orwig praised the efforts of law enforcement, stating “The FBI and Longview Police Department did terrific work during the investigation of this case. The Judge decided to give this defendant a break. The sexual exploitation of children through child pornography is an odious crime that robs our children of their dignity and innocence.”

According to information presented in court, a federal search warrant was executed on March 8, 2005, at the home of the defendant following a report on the CyberTip line of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Hawthorne’s personal computer was seized during the search. An analysis of the computer revealed 56 visual depictions involving minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Hawthorne was indicted on September 13, 2005, for possession of material involving the sexual exploitation of minors. He pleaded guilty on December 13, 2005.

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