Repeat Sex Offender Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Child Exploitation Offense

Louisville, KY -A Jefferson County man was sentenced this week to 15 years in federal prison for two counts of receipt of child pornography.

U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.

William James Lewis, 34, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, followed by a life term of supervised release, for using a cellular telephone to communicate with other individuals on an application called Telegram to seek out photos and videos of child pornography. At the time Lewis was on state supervision for having been previously convicted of possession of child pornography.

In 2017, Lewis was convicted of ten counts of possession of child pornography in Fayette Circuit Court, Lexington, Kentucky and was sentenced to 8 years in prison followed by five years of sex offender post incarceration supervision.

United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner stated, "Lewis was undeterred by his previous 8-year state prison sentence for possessing child pornography. Shortly after his release, he reengaged in reprehensible act of seeking out and receiving more child pornography. Because of the incredible investigative work by local and federal law enforcement partners, Lewis will now serve 15 years in federal prison. When he's released this time, he'll spend the remainder of his life under the supervision of the federal probation office-ensuring that he does not continue to victimize our most vulnerable."

Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson stated, "This case is an example of the incredible difference we can make when the FBI and local law enforcement partners work together to protect our most vulnerable citizens. Lewis' repeated attempts to acquire child pornography, despite his prior incarceration, are a stark reminder of the call to remain vigilant. Our children deserve no less."

Louisville Metro Police Chief Paul Humphrey stated, "These crimes are reprehensible and unacceptable. This sentence sends a clear message that those who exploit children will be held accountable. Even after a prior conviction and prison sentence, this offender continued to engage in behavior that fuels the victimization and abuse of some of our most vulnerable citizens. There is no place in our community for child predators. LMPD will continue working with our federal partners to identify offenders, protect children, and pursue justice for victims."

There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by FBI with the assistance of LMPD.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle M. Yannelli prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/pscLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link.. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/pscLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. and click on the tab "resources."

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