Janesville man sentenced for child porn possession – Janesville Gazette

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Larry D. Johnson

JANESVILLEA Janesville man was sentenced to six years of probation Wednesday after he pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography in Rock County Court.

Judge John Wood imposed the sentence, concurring with a plea agreement between the prosecution and Jessa Nicholson, attorney for Larry D. Johnson, 44, of 326 N. Washington St.

Assistant District Attorney Perry Folts argued for six months in jail as part of the probation, but Wood agreed with Nicholson that the incarceration was not needed.

Johnson was charged with one count of child porn possession after police, acting on information supplied by state investigators, arrested him Sept. 29 at his home.

Johnson told detectives that he viewed pornography daily and had seen pornographic images and videos of juveniles in chat rooms, according to the criminal complaint.

An investigation found no evidence that Johnson had any sexual contact with juveniles.

Johnson had no previous criminal record, and a psycho-sexual evaluation found him at very low risk for committing any more crimes, Folts said.

Johnson is seeing a therapist for his sexual dysfunction, and his family and friends support him, Nicholson said.

Research supports the notion that treatment in the community is better than in prison, and some studies have suggested an increased risk of recidivism for sexual offenders sent to prison, Nicholson said.

Johnson is dealing with his pornography problem by channeling his energy into family, church and work, Nicholson said.

Johnson apologized, speaking softly and at times looking as though he might cry.

I would ask not to be removed from my wife and children. I've worked hard to get through this, Johnson said.

Wood noted investigators found 15 images and five videos of child porn on Johnson's laptop.

Some see this as a victimless crime, but it's not, said Wood, adding that this crime disturbs him.

Every single one of those children involved in the child pornography industry, you victimized them by what you did, Wood told Johnson. Everyone who views these images victimizes them over and over again.

But Wood said he could see the remorse on Johnson's face, adding: I can see a great deal of shame coming from you.

Wood noted the apparent stability in Johnson's life and the evaluation that recommended against prison.

I can only hope and pray you are serious in your intentions to rehabilitate yourself, Wood said.

Johnson also will be placed on the state sexual offender registry.

2017 GazetteXtra, a division of Bliss Communications, Inc.

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