A Saltillo man was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his possession of child sexual abuse pictures and videos.
Court documents indicate that in April 2020, Dennis Gene Sullivan, 46, was setting up a computer system for a local business when he arranged for the computer to download and save computer files containing images and videos of child sexual abuse. Sullivan used a peer-to-peer software program to make those files available to other users.
Sullivan has a prior 2004 federal conviction for possession images and videos of child sexual abuse.
Sullivan appeared for sentencing on these offenses in federal court in Oxford. U.S. District Judge Michael P. Mills sentenced Sullivan to a total of 120 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Sullivan was also ordered to pay $28,000 worth of restitution to eight individuals who were victims of the abuse depicted in those images or videos.
“This is a repeat offender who has an obvious sexual interest in children,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “Individuals like this defendant deserve every minute of every day that they can be incarcerated, and our office will always prioritize the safety of the most vulnerable in our society.”
“Safeguarding our society’s future begins with protecting underage citizens of our communities from predatory individuals like Dennis Sullivan,” remarked FBI Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby. “Those who commit these heinous crimes against our youth, deteriorating the safety of our society, will be aggressively sought after and brought to justice. The FBI is committed to supporting our local and DOJ partners in protecting the innocence of our minors, ensuring offenders are brought to justice.”
Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch also commented about the case, noting “This case is a textbook example of the difference we can make when law enforcement and community members work together as a team. This investigation started with a simple tip that led us to investigate and discover this horrendous crime. I am grateful for the cooperation and dedication of our ICAC partners that help us protect our most vulnerable citizens. If you suspect a child is in danger, please report it. Your assistance could be the key to protecting others.”
The Oxford Field Office of the FBI, along with Ripley, Mississippi Police Department, and the Mississippi Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Roberts.
This case is part of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to protect children on the Internet. The Mississippi ICAC Task Force includes local, state, and Federal law enforcement and is managed by the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office.
