Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 24th.
Baltimore, Md (KM) Sentencing is scheduled for February 24th for a Brunswick man who pleaded guilty this week to sexual exploitation of a child to produce child pornography.
The US Attorney’s Office of Maryland says William H. Steinhaus IV, 34, had a number of sexually explicit conversations on an instant messaging site called Kik with other users in December 8th, 9th and 10th, 2014. He used his iPhone and iPad to take pictures of a two-year-old girl engaging in sexually explicit activities and sent them to 25 Kik users.
According to a news release from the US Attorney’s Office, Steinhaus and another Kik user exchanged 290 messages, including a discussion as to Steinhaus could best sexually abuse the toddler. Some of those photos include Steinhaus and the child sitting on a sofa engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
In his plea agreement, Steinhaus says he exchanged approximately 419 m,message on Kik with an undercover officer whom he e-mailed on December 8th. The undercover officer received 30 pictures taken of the toddler,including several with Steinhaus and the child engaged in sexually explicit conduct, according to federal officials.
Police set up surveillance at Steinhaus’ residence prior to serving a search warrant. Officers used a ruse to get him to come out. When Steinhaus came out, police identified themselves. He fought with officers who were trying to get his iPhone. They were able to secure it, and arrest Steinhaus. The victim was rescued.
When he’s sentenced, federal officials says Steinhaus could be given between 23 and 38 years in prison. He will also be required to registers as a sex offender wherever he may live or attend school. The US Attorney’s Office says Steinhaus will be on lifetime supervised release when he’s let out of prison.
Steinhaus also must plead guilty to charges pending against him in Circuit Court in Frederick County, federal officials say.
By Kevin McManus