Thirty year sentence sought for Lisbon child photographer convicted of child porn
The U.S. Attorney is recommending a sentence of 24 to 30 years in prison for a Lisbon photographer convicted of soliciting children to have sex on camera with adult males.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - The U.S. Attorney is recommending a sentence of 24 to 30 years in prison for a Lisbon photographer convicted of soliciting children to have sex on camera with adult males.
David Grunden, 35, of Lisbon is scheduled for sentencing in U.S. District Court on Tuesday.
Grunden pleaded guilty in March to possessing child pornography, receiving depictions of minors engaged in sex, and advertising child pornography.
In a 27-page sentencing memorandum filed Tuesday, prosecutors say Grunden's sentence must reflect the seriousness of the crime and deter others from doing the same.
Following nine months of surveillance, federal agents raided Grunden's West Washington Street home last October, where he operated DCG Photography and lived with his parents.
Agents say they found 243 images and 97 videos involving child pornography and torture during their search.
The U.S. Attorney says that Grunden tried to solicit and entice children, as well as adult males to have sex with a child on videotape.
According to investigators, Grunden posted online ads for children under 12 years old to appear on video in what appeared to be acts of rape.
The sentencing memo said some of those ads included the following statements:
“Now hiring. Well h—g, brutal, sadistic sick-minded men with no age restrictions at all. Now casting for a series of hurtcore and snuff videos. Message me for additional information on this project.”
“I love beating the life out of children. Gives me such a sexual rush. Even better when their parents are watching in horror.”
Investigators say, Grunden, who made a living taking photographs of children, had social media posts focusing heavily on girls under 18 years old.
According to the sentencing memo, Grunden would use the photos in fantasy scenarios which he would trade over the internet.
“There is no estimate as to how many innocent victim's photographs have been shared by the defendant over the internet,” said prosecutors in the memorandum.
Also, Grunden allegedly placed himself in close contact with children, dressing up as Santa Claus during the holidays and taking photographs with children as part of his business.
While Grunden denies having contact with the children for sexual gratification, government lawyers say his “interest in children is apparent.”
The U.S. Attorney says they are aware of the identities of some of Grunden's victims and restitution will be part of sentencing because of the Mandatory Restitution Victim's Act.
Claims for restitution in the case range from $3,000 to more than $18,000 for victims identified only as “Ava,” “Mya,” “Pia,” “Jenny,” “Jane,” “Tara,” “Violet,” as well as an eighth unnamed victim.
During his plea hearing, Grunden admitted his guilt, adding that he isn't proud of it.
Grunden is scheduled to appear for sentencing before U.S. District Judge Benita Pearson in Youngstown at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
