John Dowell-
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SANTA CRUZ, Calif.- John Stuart Dowell, 45, of Santa Cruz pleaded guilty last week to 12 counts of production and one count of transportation of child pornography in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia.
The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia said in a news release, Dowell has admitted that in late 2010 and early 2011 he was staying at a residence in Frederick County, Virginia. In early 2011, while staying at the home, Dowell repeatedly sexually abused a three-year-old female and filmed this abuse. A computer forensic examination further revealed that Dowell, in separate incidents, produced two videos of a five-year-old female engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The investigation of this matter began after some of the videos depicting Dowell's abuse of the three-year-old victim were discovered online by investigators in Denmark.
"Protecting our children from predators like Mr. Dowell is a cornerstone priority for the Department of Justice," United States Attorney Timothy J. Heaphy said in a news release. "When individuals like Mr. Dowell abuse and victimize children, this office will hold those individuals accountable for their crimes and ensure justice is served for their victims."
At sentencing, the defendant faces a possible penalty of between 15-30 years on each of the production charges and a possible penalty of between 5-20 years on the transportation charge. He will also face the possibility of lifetime supervised release following any prison term, a fine, and restitution to the victims. Dowell will be required to register as a convicted sex offender.
