United States of America v. Tong Chen

Cleveland, Ohio, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with receipt and distribution of visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Tong Chen, residing in Hudson, charged with Receipt and Distribution of Visual Depictions of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct, and Possession of Child Pornography or Child Sexual Abuse Materials (CSAM).

In May 2024, federal agents began an investigation after the Circleville Police Department identified suspected CSAM linked to the defendant’s Summit County residence. In July 2024, agents executed a federal search warrant at Chen’s residence and seized a desktop computer and external hard drives. During forensic analysis of these items, agents located more than 5,400 CSAM images and videos, as well as a software program capable of downloading and sharing the sexually explicit content with others. The recovered images were sadistic and masochistic in nature and included bondage, bestiality, and infants and toddlers being assaulted. Investigators determined that Chen had been viewing CSAM for approximately 12 years.

The FBI Cleveland Division led this investigation with assistance from the Circleville Police Department and Hudson Police Department.

Assistant United States Attorney Margaret Kane for the Northern District of Ohio was responsible for prosecuting this matter.

Defendant sentenced 160 months on each count 1 and 2, to be served concurrently on the indictment. Supervised Release with standard and special conditions for a term of 15 years on each of Count, all such terms to run concurrently, with standard and special conditions. Fine waived. Special Assessment $200.00. AVAA $15,000 Restitution $67,500.00. Forfeiture ordered.