Evidence presented in court revealed that Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents identified an internet user linked to a Conway address who conducted Bitcoin transactions with a Darknet site known for child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). The transactions occurred between March and August 2016, under the username Laine Clark. Following this discovery, HSI obtained a federal search warrant for the residence in Conway. During the search, multiple electronic devices were seized, and a forensic examination uncovered 10,910 images and 1,210 videos of CSAM. Clark was present during the search and admitted his involvement in activities related to CSAM.
United States District Judge Joseph Dawson III sentenced Clark to 78 months in prison, followed by lifetime court-ordered supervision. In addition, Clark was ordered to pay $41,000 in restitution. It is noted that there is no parole in the federal system.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the U.S. Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. This project involves collaboration among federal, state, and local resources to locate and prosecute individuals exploiting children while also rescuing victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at http://www.justice.gov/psc.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations with Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Hummel prosecuting the case.