An Oshkosh resident faces serious charges related to the production of child pornography, following the revelation of an unsealed indictment by the federal grand jury. Bradley D. Hounsell, 43, stands accused of exploiting a minor to create sexually explicit material, a grave offense against the vulnerability of childhood innocence. According to the indictment, Hounsell's alleged misconduct took place around early November 2023 and involved manipulating a child into participating in the pornographic act which was then distributed via the internet. The details of this indictment come courtesy of the Eastern District of Wisconsin's Acting United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling.
Facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years—if convicted on the charges—Hounsell could be imprisoned for up to 30 years, underscoring the severity of the crimes he is accused of perpetrating. Alongside the potential incarceration, an additional fine of up to $250,000 and the lifelong burden of registering as a sex offender underline the long-lasting consequences of such reprehensible actions. The U.S. Attorney's Office mentioned these possible penalties in their announcement.
The case, brought under the auspices of Project Safe Childhood—a Department of Justice Initiative aimed at tackling the epidemic of child exploitation—emphasizes the government's commitment to shielding our youngest from the tentacles of abuse lurking in the shadows of the modern digital world. The initiative, launched back in May 2006, marshals robust collaboration between local, state, and federal agencies to identify and rescue victims while ensuring the perpetrators face the full force of the law.
The collaborative investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office culminated in the charges against Hounsell. The prosecution is being handled by the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) of the Criminal Division's Trial Attorney William G. Clayman, and Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble. Despite the serious nature of the indictment, it is crucial to remember that it constitutes just a charge, not evidence of guilt. In the eyes of the law, Hounsell remains innocent until proven guilty.
