United States v. Walters, No. 14-3097 (6th Cir. 2015)
Annotate this CaseFederal agents located a computer downloading child pornography videos using peer-to-peer software that enabled the user to access other computers and vice versa. They executed a search warrant on Walters’ neighbors’ house based on the ISP billing address. The neighbor had shared his internet password with Walters. Walters consented to a search, stating that if there was anything on the computer, they could erase it and it would not happen again. The agents recovered multiple pornographic videos. Walters admitted to downloading pornographic images through the network and that he knew others could obtain child pornography from him. Walters estimated that during one year, he had viewed 500 videos depicting girls, aged five to 14, having sex with an adult male. Walters pleaded guilty to knowingly receiving and distributing child pornography and knowingly possessing a computer containing child pornography. At sentencing, Walters objected to enhancements as impermissible double counting: two level s for “distribution”; four levels for “sadistic, masochistic or other violent images”; and two level s for “use of a computer.” The court assigned a total offense level of 34 and a criminal history category of I, with a sentencing range of 151 to 188 months, and sentenced Walters to 151 months. The Sixth Circuit affirmed, rejecting due process and double jeopardy arguments.
Some case metadata and case summaries were written with the help of AI, which can produce inaccuracies. You should read the full case before relying on it for legal research purposes.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.