United States of America v. Joshua David Harding

Yakima, Washington criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material

Yakima Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material

U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref announced that on January 14, 2025, United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Joshua David Harding, age 44, of Yakima, Washington, to 24 months in federal prison for Possession of Child Pornography. Judge Dimke also imposed 7 years of supervised release.



According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, in July 2023, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tri-Cities and the Southeast Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force learned that Harding may be sharing, and in possession of, child sexual abuse material through the use of a website known to host contraband material.



On August 17, 2023, investigators executed a search warrant at Harding's residence. Investigators seized several electronic devices that contained images of children being sexually abused and CGI/animated depictions of children being sexually abused.



"The sentence imposed in this case recognizes the ongoing and lasting harm caused by child exploitation,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. "Our Office, law enforcement partners, and the Southeast Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force work tirelessly to seek justice for victims and hold offenders accountable.”



"Exploitation of children, no matter the form, has detrimental effects on society and works to undermine the innocence of childhood," said Matthew Murphy, acting Special Agent in Charge, HSI Seattle. "The commitment of HSI and our Southeast Regional ICAC partners continue to safeguard our communities, and this sentence sends a clear message that we will continue to relentlessly pursue those who attempt to exploit and abuse the most defenseless members of our society."



This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, 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 to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.



This case was investigated by the Southeast Regional ICAC Task Force, consisting of Homeland Security Investigations and the Richland and Kennewick Police Departments. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Letitia A. Sikes.