Press Release: MILFORD MAN CHARGED WITH DISTRIBUTION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

Press Release:

MILFORD MAN CHARGED WITH DISTRIBUTION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2011

BOSTON, Mass. - A Milford man was charged today in federal court with Distribution of Child Pornography.

ROBERT DIDUCA, 47, was charged in a criminal complaint with Distribution of Child Pornography. The criminal complaint alleges that DIDUCA knowingly distributed a visual depiction involving the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

According to court documents unsealed today, DIDUCA was a member of an online forum for those with a sexual interest in children, and sent a pornographic image of a child via email. An investigation of the image led to the identification of the child, and the arrest of Roberts Mikelsons in the Netherlands, where Mikelsons is charged with production, distribution, and possession of child pornography, as well as the sexual assault of 87 minors.

If convicted on these charges, DIDUCA faces at least five and up to 20 years imprisonment, to be followed by up to lifetime supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. He remains in custody until his detention hearing on June 9, 2011.

United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz, Bruce M. Foucart, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Office of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston and Massachusetts State Police Colonel Marian J. McGovern made the announcement today. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Massachusetts State Police, and the Milford Police Department. In coordination with the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office, the case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael I. Yoon of Ortiz's Major Crimes Unit.

This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In February 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.

The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.