A Neosho, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to receiving and distributing child pornography over the Internet.
Larry Don Hilburn, 29, of Neosho, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to the charge contained in a June 16, 2015, federal indictment.
According to today’s plea agreement, investigators with the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force identified Hilburn’s computer as sharing videos of child pornography through a peer-to-peer file-sharing network. Officers executed a search warrant at Hilburn’s residence and seized his computer, which contained numerous image and video files depicting the sexual abuse of children.
Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, the government will not seek a sentence of more than 10 years in federal prison without parole and Hilburn will not seek a sentence of less than five years in federal prison without parole. Hilburn may also be ordered to pay restitution to his victims. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the FBI and the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force.
The following information about the Hilburn case is from the June 26, 2015 Turner Report:
While HILBURN was downloading, distributing and possessing child pornography, he was also possessing illegal narcotics as he cared for his three year old son.
Furthermore, while HILBURN was not arrested or convicted, the Neosho Police Department reported a 2011 incident involving him and a 16 year old minor. At the time of the report, HILBURN was approximately 25 years old when law enforcement discovered him involved in amorous activities with a 16 year old minor.
According to the incident report, at 10:22 p.m. on January 28, 2011, officers observed a vehicle parked in a local park with two occupants. As officers approached, they observed the female leap into the back seat of the vehicle. Officers noted that the female did not appear to be wearing pants.
After giving the occupants a few moments, officers ordered HILBURN and the female from the vehicle. Officers learned that HILBURN and this minor were, in the least, engaging in amorous contact when interrupted by law enforcement.
Ultimately, while HILBURN does not appear to have a significant criminal history, between September 8 and 9, 2014, he was observed sharing and downloading nearly thirty files of child pornography.
When law enforcement arrived at HILBURN’S residence, they not only discovered numerous images and videos of child pornography on his computer, but that he was committing additional narcotics related crimes, all while he was responsible for the care of a three year old child.
Finally, even though some may dismiss the facts associated with his 2011 incident with a 16 year old girl, when coupled with his recent criminal conduct involving receipt, distribution and possession of child pornography, a disturbing pattern can be readily observed regarding HILBURN’S sexual obsession toward underage children. As such, detention of this defendant is the only measure that can fully ensure that no other children are put at risk.
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