Fearing COVID-19, Oronogo man serving time for child pornography asks for early release

Citing his fear of contracting COVID-19, an Oronogo man serving a six-year sentence for receiving and distributing child pornography is asking a federal court judge to grant him an early release.

In his motion for compassionate release, filed today in U. S. District Court for the Western District, Brian G. Long, 42, who is serving his sentence at the Forest City prison in Francis County, Arkansas and serving as his own lawyer, says the county has seen "a dramatic increase in COVID-19 cases," including more than 50 cases at the prison.

"This is a grave concern for Mr. Long, as he is continually placed at great risk of severe illness, including death should he recontract COVID-19."

Long notes that he only has 17 months remaining in his sentence and cites his character as a reason why it would not be harmful to give him the early release.

"Before coming to prison, Mr. Long was married for 17 years. He fathered three boys and was an uncle to various nieces and nephews. In spite of the nature of the offense with which he was charged, there were never any allegations of improprieties with children."

Long added that he had always had steady employment and continued to work hard during his time in prison and that he has not had any disciplinary problems since he has been behind bars.

In his plea agreement, filed with the court in 2017, the assistant U. S. attorney noted that Long admitted to browsing for child pornography.

Long reported the youngest age he had seen were infants. Long would search for and went to chat rooms that would probably contain child pornography. Long stated this had been going on for about a year and a half. Long stated the average age he viewed was preteens, 10-12-year-olds, female children.