An investigation of peer-to-peer file sharing networks by an Oklahoma Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force member led to the arrest of a29-year-old Norman man.
In late July, ICAC task force members served a warrant at a Norman residence, where they allegedly discovered marijuana, cash, and child pornography. Theyarrested James Russell Clark after identifying an IP address sharing 104 "files of interest" in child pornography investigations and traced it backto Clark. Investigators say a laptop in the home was actively sharing child pornography files at the time of Clark's arrest.
The suspect was booked into the Cleveland County Jail on multiple complaints, including distribution of child pornography, aggravated possession ofchild pornography, violation of the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of a controlled dangeroussubstance, possession of drug proceeds, maintaining a dwelling for keeping drugs and use of surveillance equipment to facilitate a felony. This week,he was formally charged with all eight counts.
Clark has multiple prior convictions for possession of a CDS and possession with intent to distribute. He also has a pending felony case on charges ofdrug possession with intent to distribute, Drug Money Laundering and Wire Transmitter Act violations, possession of drug paraphernalia, and drivingunder suspension.
If convicted of the drug crimes and sex offenses with which he is charged, the defendant faces significant prison time--up to life in prison.
Aggravated possession of child pornography (21 O.S. � 1040.12a)is defined as the possession of 100 or more images of child pornography. For the purposes of this law, 100 or more images may refer to either separateimages or multiple copies of the same image. Conviction of aggravated possession of child pornography is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 anda maximum sentence of life in prison. Additionally, it is a Level 1 Sex Offense, which requires a convicted person to register as a sex offender fora period of 15 years following the completion of the sentence.
Distribution of child pornography (21 O.S. � 1040.13)is likewise a felony sex offense. Conviction brings a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. It also requires 15 yearsof sex offender registration.
Possession with intent to distribute marijuana or any other drug is a felony. Even on the first offense, possession with intent to distribute marijuana carriesa mandatory minimum sentence of 2 years in prison; possession with intent to distribute a Schedule I or II drug carries a mandatory minimum of 5 years,even as a first offense. The maximum penalty for drug distribution or possession with intent to distribute is life in prison. Learn more about Oklahoma drug distribution laws.
