A Franklin County man received a 40-year prison sentence for his involvement in the sexual abuse of a toddler. U.S. District Judge John A. Ross handed down the sentence on Wednesday after William Burns, 41, pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy to produce child pornography and possession of child pornography. "This is one of the worst cases of sexual abuse that I've seen in 25 years as a judge," said Judge Ross, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Burns and his wife, Rachel Burns, 35, were arrested after planning to meet and sexually abuse an 11-year-old girl. Their downfall began when Rachel admitted to investigators that her husband had child sexual abuse material on multiple devices in their home. A subsequent court-approved search revealed disturbing evidence, including electronic devices, sexual paraphernalia, and a silicone sex doll designed to resemble a prepubescent female. The search led to the discovery of over 13,000 files of child sexual exploitation material and a video showing the couple abusing one-year-old child.
During the court proceedings, Michael Hayes, an Assistant U.S. Attorney, described the extent of Burns' crimes. "He was dedicated to the sexual abuse of children," Hayes told the court. In an earlier hearing, a woman recounted her traumatic relationship with William Burns, whom she met when she was 18, detailing his abusive and predatory behavior.
Rachel Burns is expected to face sentencing on October 15, with prosecutors recommending no more than 35 years in prison.
