On January 14, 2025, Joshua David Harding, a 44-year-old resident of Yakima, Washington, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke. In addition to the prison term, Harding will undergo seven years of supervised release.
The investigation into Harding began in July 2023 when Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tri-Cities and the Southeast Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force discovered that he might be sharing and possessing child sexual abuse material via a website known for hosting such contraband.
A search warrant executed at Harding's residence on August 17, 2023, led investigators to seize several electronic devices containing images and CGI/animated depictions of children being sexually abused.
U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref emphasized the significance of the sentence: “The sentence imposed in this case recognizes the ongoing and lasting harm caused by child exploitation.” She highlighted the efforts of her office and law enforcement partners in seeking justice for victims and holding offenders accountable.
Matthew Murphy, acting Special Agent in Charge at HSI Seattle, remarked on the societal impact: “Exploitation of children, no matter the form, has detrimental effects on society and works to undermine the innocence of childhood." He affirmed HSI's commitment alongside their Southeast Regional ICAC partners to safeguard communities.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. The project coordinates resources from federal, state, and local levels to prosecute individuals exploiting children online while also identifying and rescuing victims.
The investigation involved collaboration between Homeland Security Investigations and police departments from Richland and Kennewick under the Southeast Regional ICAC Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Letitia A. Sikes prosecuted the case.