Resident of Special Commitment Center Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Possession of Child Pornography

Sex Offender Had More Than 300 Images of Child Pornography on His Computer

KEITH JONATHON ROGERS, 70, a resident of the Special Commitment Center (SCC) on McNeil Island, Washington, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for possession of child pornography and a lifetime of supervised release after imprisonment. ROGERS is a convicted sex offender who has been civilly committed to the SCC since he was found to be a predator in 1993. Following his federal prison term on this charge, he will be returned to the SCC. At sentencing, U.S. District Judge Ronald B. Leighton said, “The child pornography industry permanently scars young children so that older people, like the defendant, can be pleasured by the broken images.” In speaking directly to ROGERS, Judge Leighton said, “You will do difficult time. Reflect, always, on the nature of your conduct and continue to battle your demons.”

According to records in the case, on February 1, 2007, a search of ROGERS’ room at the SCC turned up a computer containing images of child pornography. A forensic examination of the computer revealed at least 372 images, primarily of girls under the age of 12 being raped by men. ROGERS pleaded guilty in December 2010. ROGERS has prior convictions for contributing to the delinquency of a child (1961), lewd and lascivious acts toward a minor (1966), and indecent liberties (1971 and 1984). ROGERS estimates he has molested more than a dozen young girls.

In asking for the 10-year sentence, prosecutors want to send a message to others at the SCC.

“When residents like Rogers engage is this type of conduct, it undermines the purpose of the SCC and the effectiveness of any treatment being offered. Furthermore, this type of criminal activity creates problems for those residents who are trying to benefit from the treatment by tempting them to engage in prohibited and illegal conduct. A strong sentence is necessary for the defendant and others, especially those at the SCC, to recognize the seriousness of the heinous crime in this case,” prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memo.

The case was investigated by the FBI, Washington State Patrol, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Marc Perez.

For additional information please contact Emily Langlie, Public Affairs Officer for the United States Attorney’s Office, at (206) 553-4110 or Emily.Langlie@USDOJ.Gov.