A Williamstown man was sentenced early this month to 10 years in prison for possession of child pornography, according to U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.
The sentence handed to Joseph Cooper, 76, also included 10 years of supervised release and $73,000 in restitution. Cooper pleaded guilty to one count of possession in 2022.
Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Cooper’s residence in October 2020, according to case documents and statements made in court. Discovered were computers with more than 50 videos and 200 images of child sexual abuse. They also contained logs documenting Cooper’s participation in internet chat rooms related to child pornography.
Because Cooper was previously convicted of interstate transport of child pornography by computer and cruelty and neglect of a child, the newer charge could have gotten him a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
