News Releases

Oregon man sentenced to 10 years on child pornography charges

EUGENE, Ore. - A 42-year-old Oregon man was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release for possessing child pornography, following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Michael Bruce Hays of Winston, Ore., was the subject of an international investigation into the distribution of child pornography when ICE agents served a search warrant at his home. They discovered multiple computer disks that contained child pornography, including pictures of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

In September 2009, Hays pleaded guilty, admitting that he had collected more than 16,000 still images and more than 300 videos of child pornography. Court records further revealed that he used the Internet to distribute child pornography in order to receive more child pornography.

"Today's prison sentence is a reminder of the serious crime that is committed when individuals use the Internet to sexually exploit innocent children by possessing images of child pornography," said Leigh Winchell, special agent in charge of the ICE Office of Investigations that oversees Oregon. "ICE agents will continue to work tirelessly to identify these child predators and bring them to justice."

Upon completion of his prison term, Hays must adhere to a number of conditions during 10 years of supervised release. They include undergoing mental health counseling, having restricted computer and Internet access and registering as a sex offender.