CT man facing 20 years after possessing 2,269 child porn images

Connecticut correctional officials say Daniel Ocasio, 32, was found unresponsive with a “ligature” around his neck in his cell at the Corrigan-Ragdowski Correctional Center in Uncasville early Wednesday. Officials said they believe Ocasio used a cloth mask to strangle himself. less Connecticut correctional officials say Daniel Ocasio, 32, was found unresponsive with a “ligature” around his neck in his cell at the Corrigan-Ragdowski Correctional Center in Uncasville early Wednesday. ... more Photo: Will Waldron / File Photo Photo: Will Waldron / File Photo Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close CT man facing 20 years after possessing 2,269 child porn images 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

A Connecticut man, who was previously convicted and jailed for possessing child pornography, is facing 20 years behind bars after possessing child porn again.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for Connecticut, and Jason J. Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigation in Boston, said Brian Herndon, 45, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography.

Herndon, of New Britain, also admitted that he violated the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on Jan. 12, 2009, Herndon was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for possessing child pornography. He was released from federal prison in May 2014.

On Sept. 1, 2015, U.S. Probation officers searched Herndon’s residence and seized a laptop. Subsequent forensic examination of the laptop revealed approximately 2,269 images and 74 videos of child pornography.

Herndon is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford on Feb. 24, 2020, at which time Herndon faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years for possessing child pornography, and up to two years in prison for violating the conditions of he supervised release.

Herndon is released on bond and remains under court supervision pending sentencing.

This investigation is being conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Jongbloed.

This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

To report cases of child exploitation, visit www.cybertipline.com.