Pasadena man convicted of possessing, distributing child porn

PASADENA, TX Bennie E. Richardson IV was a paid volunteer at a children's theater before officials discovered pornography on his computer. Richardson was caught sending out pictures and video by the Houston Metro Internet Crimes Against Children task force.

A forensic analysis of Richardson's two computer hard drives were found to contain images and videos of children under the age of 18 participating in sexual activities. The first hard drive contained more than 500 images and more than 400 videos. The second hard drive contained approximately 130 images and approximately 10 suspect videos.

Richardson opted for a bench trial, and a judge decided to convict after a one day trial.

Richardson faces a mandatory minimum statutory sentence of five years imprisonment up to a maximum of 20 years for distribution of child pornography and a maximum 10-year sentence for the possession of child pornography. Richardson must also register as a sex offender. Upon completion of any prison term imposed, Richardson faces a maximum life term of supervised release.