Bennington Resident Imprisoned for Second or Subsequent Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials

The Attorney General's Office today announced that Caleb Cox, 35, of Bennington, Vermont, pleaded guilty today to three counts of felony Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials, second or subsequent offense. Mr. Cox also pleaded guilty to violating the conditions of his probation imposed in a prior case involving similar charges. The charges brought against Mr. Cox are the result of an investigation conducted by members of the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (VT-ICAC).

Mr. Cox pleaded guilty at the arraignment today in Vermont Superior Court, Bennington Criminal Division. The Court, Judge John Valente presiding, accepted Mr. Cox's guilty pleas and imposed a sentence of 50 months to 15 years to serve.

VT-ICAC investigates cases of child sexual exploitation occurring over the internet, including the production and online distribution of child sexual abuse materials. VT-ICAC also provides forensic examination services, technical assistance, law enforcement training, and public education and outreach.

Every child deserves a safe childhood. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) is the nation's centralized reporting system for the online exploitation of children. Anyone can make reports of suspected online enticement of children for sexual acts, child sexual molestation, child sexual abuse material, child sex tourism, child sex trafficking, unsolicited obscene materials sent to a child, misleading domain names, and misleading words or digital images on the internet. To make a report, call the 24-hour call center at 1-800-843-5678 or visit NCMEC's website .

Additionally, if you are recovering from child sexual exploitation, you do not have to navigate it alone. NCMEC can help with emotional and peer support, removing content from the internet, and locating mental health professionals. For more information, please visit the online resources page or call the 24-hour call center at 1-800-843-5678.

Contact: Lauren Jandl, Chief of Staff, 802-828-3171