SPOKANE, Wash. – A man from Liberty Lake has been sentenced after pleading guilty to Receipt of Child Pornography, as reported by the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.
Rick Lynn Johnson, 69, of Liberty Lake, received his sentence after admitting guilt to Receipt of Child Pornography. U.S. District Judge Thomas O. Rice imposed a 60-month imprisonment term followed by five years of supervised release.
The U.S. judge ordered Johnson to pay $60,000 in restitution to seven victims and $10,000 in special assessments under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act and the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act.
According to court documents and evidence presented during the sentencing hearing, federal law enforcement successfully downloaded numerous child pornography files from Johnson between May 30, 2021, and June 16, 2022.
Investigators also said in November 2022, federal agents executed a search warrant at Johnson’s home in Liberty Lake, seizing a phone, computers, and hard drives. Forensic analysis of these devices revealed approximately 2,506 images and approximately 97 videos of child pornography featuring minors younger than 12 years old.
Johnson confessed to using his phone and computer to download and share child pornography with others online over the past year.
“All children should be safe from sexual predators. Protecting children from harm, especially online exploitation, remains a priority of my office and is critical to building a safe and strong Eastern Washington community, stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “I am grateful for the excellent work by Homeland Security Investigations and AUSA Ann Wick in securing justice for these victims. While nothing can undo the harm these victims endured, the restitution order provides a mechanism to provide these victims the support they rightfully deserve.”
