A Boston man, previously convicted on multiple child sex offenses, was indicted yesterday for possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Bryan Horgan, a 58-year-old Level 3 sex offender, faces a new count of child pornography possession following his April arrest, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced.
Documents from federal court revealed that Horgan is accused of using a Microsoft account to quickly try to upload child pornography. A search of his home allegedly found electronic devices holding several videos depicting children in sexual situations, some as young as infants. Another device reportedly had file names suggesting more child pornography. This case, with its disturbing elements, draws yet again attention to the ongoing combat against the exploitation of children.
Horgan's background includes convictions for rape of a child, assault with intent to rape a child, and other related offenses. Due to these prior convictions, he now faces a mandatory minimum sentence of a decade, with the possibility of up to 20 years in prison. In addition, Horgan could be subjected to five years to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine up to $250,000.
According to a statement from Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy and FBI Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen, valuable assistance in this case was provided by the Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica L. Soto of the Major Crimes Unit is set to effectively prosecute the case.
The indictment comes as part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Attorney's Office initiative established in May 2006 designed to address the rising issue of child sexual exploitation and abuse. The initiative combines efforts from various levels of law enforcement to locate and prosecute individuals who prey on children, and to help rescue victims.
It is important to remember that the accusations in the indictment are merely allegations at this point. The legal principle that every accused individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt will be upheld in a court of law, where Horgan's fate will be determined.
