United States Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan announced today, June 3, 2008, that Maximus Prophet, a resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court in Johnstown to 168 months (14 years) imprisonment and 15 years supervised release  on his conviction of possessing and receiving child pornography.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Prophet, age 40.

According to information presented to the court by  Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., on  July 20, 2007, Prophet knowingly possessed photographs and movies as computer graphic files that contained images of child pornography, and on various dates between October 7, 2006, and July 5, 2007, Prophet knowingly received movies as computer graphic files which contained images of child pornography.  The computer graphic files were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood.  Launched in February 2006, Project Safe Childhood is 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.

Ms. Buchanan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Laurel Highlands Resident Agency), the Pennsylvania State Police (BCI West/Computer Crime), and the Cambria County District Attorney's Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Prophet.