Former Lakin Corrections Officer Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child Pornography

HUNTINGTON, WV—Former Lakin Corrections Center Officer Joseph F. Roush Jr., 35, of Mason County, West Virginia, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers, to possession of child pornography. Roush admitted that on April 29, 2009, he possessed more than 600 images of child pornography on his computer at his Mason County residence. Roush further admitted that he used a peer-to-peer file-sharing program to download, receive, and share child pornography. The images had been shipped and transported in interstate and foreign commerce by a computer.

Roush faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on September 19, 2011.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Johnston is in charge of the prosecution.

This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood. In February 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about cases and related activities, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Charges

HUNTINGTON, WV—Kristopher Aaron Huffman, 34, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today in federal court before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers, to distribution of a quantity of cocaine. Huffman admitted that on October 12, 2010, he sold approximately one-half of an ounce of cocaine to an undercover agent working for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) at the Smokin’ Aces store, which was located in Huntington.

Huffman faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine when he is sentenced on August 29, 2011.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the prosecution.

This case is being prosecuted as part of a year-long undercover operation that targeted illegal drugs and firearms crimes in the Huntington area. The operation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and assisted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Huntington Police Department, and various other law enforcement agencies. It was announced to the public in March after a grand jury returned indictments against 55 defendants.