PHILADELPHIA, PA — In a notable example of the law’s firm stance against sexual exploitation, 33-year-old Philadelphia resident Christopher Daniels has been convicted on serious charges relating to child pornography and failing to adhere to sex offender registration requirements. The conviction was announced by United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero, highlighting a relentless pursuit of justice for crimes that deeply harm society’s most vulnerable.
Daniels, previously entangled in the legal system for similar offenses dating back to 2015, found himself at the center of a federal trial that concluded with his conviction as a repeat offender. His charges include receiving, possessing, and accessing child pornography, alongside a failure to register as a sex offender under the stringent regulations of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
The defendant’s legal troubles began eight years ago when he was first charged with child pornography offenses. In July 2015, he pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography, resulting in a sentence of 70 months in prison followed by a decade of supervised release—a period during which he was expected to comply with all legal requirements, including keeping his sex offender registration information current.
However, Daniels’ compliance faltered in July 2022 when he failed to verify his sex offender registration with Pennsylvania State Police, leading to his non-compliant status. Further exacerbating his legal woes, a bench warrant was issued for his arrest due to non-compliance with the terms of his federal supervised release.
A pivotal moment in the case came on November 3, 2022, when U.S. Marshals apprehended Daniels. An FBI-led search of his residence unearthed several electronic devices containing thousands of videos and images depicting child pornography, along with evidence of his active search for such illicit material.
U.S. Attorney Romero expressed her office’s unwavering commitment to protecting the community and its children, highlighting the gravity of Daniels’ actions and the subsequent verdict. “After leaving prison in 2021, Mr. Daniels understood his legal responsibilities: comply with the requirements of his supervised release, keep his sex offender registration up to date, and stay away from material depicting the horrific sexual exploitation of children,” she stated. “Well, he did none of those things, and this verdict ensures he’ll answer for it.”
Echoing this sentiment, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia Wayne A. Jacobs reaffirmed the FBI’s dedication to safeguarding children from exploitation, while U.S. Marshal Eric Gartner emphasized the aggressive pursuit of individuals violating SORNA regulations.
As Daniels awaits sentencing, he faces a daunting potential penalty: a mandatory minimum of 15 years to a statutory maximum of 130 years in prison, coupled with a possible lifetime of supervised release, and an additional two-year consecutive sentence for violating his supervised release terms.
This case, investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Marshals Service and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Rotella, serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences awaiting those who exploit the innocence of children and flout the law.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.