YAKIMA, Wash.- U.S Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref announced that on Jan. 14 U.S District Judge Mary K. Dimke Sentenced a 44-year-old man from Yakima to 24 months in federal prison for Possession of Child Pornography. He will also be under 7 years of supervised release.
According to court documents, in July 2023, Homeland Security Investigations Tri-Cities and the Southeast Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force learned that 44-year-old David Harding from Yakima Was sharing and in possession of , child sexual abuse material on a website known to host that material.
“The sentence imposed in this case recognizes the ongoing and lasting harm caused by child exploitation,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Our Office, law enforcement partners, and the Southeast Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force work tirelessly to seek justice for victims and hold offenders accountable.”
On Aug. 17, 2023 investigators executed a search warrant for Harding’s home. Investigators found several electronic devices that had images of children being sexually abused and CGI/animated depictions of children being sexually abused.
“Exploitation of children, no matter the form, has detrimental effects on society and works to undermine the innocence of childhood,” said Matthew Murphy, acting Special Agent in Charge, HSI Seattle. “The commitment of HSI and our Southeast Regional ICAC partners continue to safeguard our communities, and this sentence sends a clear message that we will continue to relentlessly pursue those who attempt to exploit and abuse the most defenseless members of our society.”
And on Jan. 14, 2025 Harding was sentenced to 24 months in prison and 7 years of supervised release.
