A 67-year old man who had previously been convicted of sexual contact with an underage boy was sentenced to 200 years when a collection of illegal images was found on his electronic devices. Such a lengthy sentence is unusual in cases of mere possession, with no evidence that the offender had produced or distributed the material. In most Western countries, such offenses receive sentences of one or two years, but given the complex overlap of state and federal jurisdiction in the US, amazing disparities in sentencing are common. However much we may deplore child pornography, it does not make sense to punish its mere possession with longer sentences than manslaughter, arson, assault with serious bodily injury, and other violent offenses.
Alabama Sentences Man to 200 Years for Possession of Illegal Images
