A federal jury in the US has convicted a former cyber security chief at the US health department on multiple child pornography charges.
Timothy DeFoggi, 56, was the sixth person to be convicted as part of an ongoing investigation targeting three child pornography websites, the Justice Department said on Tuesday.
DeFoggi was convicted of engaging in a child exploitation enterprise, conspiracy to advertise and distribute child pornography, and accessing a computer with intent to view child pornography in connection with his membership in a child pornography website.
DeFoggi even suggested meeting one member in person to fulfil their mutual fantasies to violently rape and murder children, according to prosecutors.
He is a former acting director of cyber security at the US Department of Health and Human Services.
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According to evidence presented at trial, DeFoggi registered as a website member on March 2, 2012, and maintained his membership and activity until December 8, 2012, when the FBI shut down the website.
Through the website, DeFoggi accessed child pornography, solicited child pornography from other members, and exchanged private messages with other members where he expressed an interest in the violent rape and murder of children.
The District of Nebraska jury reached its verdict following a four-day trial.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 7.
