ICE investigation results in 12 year sentence for sex offender possessing child pornography

Aug 6, 2010

ICE investigation results in 12 year sentence for sex offender possessing child pornography

By Jack Minor

Following an investigation by local Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, a registered sex offender was sentenced to 12 years in prison for possessing child pornography. Anthony Long has a criminal history involving crimes against children dating back to 1975 according to the Weld County District Attorney’s office.
The investigation began when ICE agents were alerted that Long had downloaded child pornography from the Internet. After conducting the initial investigation the agents worked with detectives from the Greeley Police Department to obtain a search warrant for Long’s residence.
After seizing items from Long’s home including a computer, thumb dives and numerous CD’s investigators discovered he had over 400 images of child pornography stored on multiple media devices. One of the images involved Long superimposing the face of a missing 13 year old girl from Maryland onto child pornography images of known victims.
In June Long pled guilty to Sexual exploitation of a child- possession of more than 20 or more items. During sentencing Deputy District Attorney Tony Perea cited Long’s extensive history involving crimes against children saying it should be a factor in his sentencing. Following his 12 year sentence Long will serve 5 years of mandatory parole.
In addition to immigration issues ICE also deals with issues such as child pornography, smuggling and identity theft regardless of a suspect’s immigration status. ICE spokesman Carl Rusnok told the Gazette that Long is a U.S. citizen. Rusnok said oftentimes child pornography cases fall under their jurisdiction under the “customs” part of their name. “Anything that comes across the border is subject to enforcement and when we’re talking about child pornography that is something we have an active role in.” Rusnok also referenced the departments Operation Predator program which is a nationwide program intended to protect children from sexual predators. Rusnok said the program to date has resulted in the arrest of over 18,000 sexual predators.