MORGAN COUNTY, Ala. — A Morgan County man was convicted by a federal jury on four counts of producing and attempting to produce child pornography and one count each of receiving and distributing child pornography.
According to court documents and trial, Benjamin Walter of Decatur used two web service provider accounts, including messenger and webcam applications, to get women in the Philippines to sexually abuse their own children and relatives
This investigation was part of a joint FBI and Homeland Security Investigations operation that targeted the buyers and sellers of these types of webcam shows in the Philippines.
“Today’s conviction sends a clear message that the protection of the most innocent and vulnerable victims, our children, from child exploitation is of the utmost importance,” said U.S. Attorney Escalona. “The jury’s decision to hold the defendant accountable for his conduct and to reject his defenses demonstrates that those who commit these horrific crimes will be met with swift and certain justice. We are grateful for the work of the FBI Birmingham Division and FBI Huntsville Resident Agency for their investigation of this case, and for the assistance of the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in prosecuting the case.”
According to the USDOJ, this case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.
To report suspicious activity or instances of child sexual exploitation., contact your local FBI field office or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. Reports can also be filed with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) or online at www.cybertipline.org.
