Michael Porter, a resident of Chicago, is alleged to have used and attempted to use several minors in sexually explicit conduct, and is alleged to have surreptitiously recorded the conduct. He was indicted on federal child pornography charges on Tuesday, July 13, 2021.
Porter is alleged to have used multiple recording devices—including devices that can be used surreptitiously to videotape children at several YMCAs in the Chicago area.
Locations of alleged recording were identified at …
High Ridge YMCA – 2424 W. Touhy Ave., Chicago, IL
Leaning Tower YMCA – 6300 W. Touhy Ave., Niles, IL
South Shore YMCA – 6330 S. Stoney Island, Chicago, IL
Porter allegedly left a recording device in his gym bag and placed it in an area where it could capture video of children showering or in a locker area. The manual recording of children allegedly occurred while Porter sat inside a bathroom stall or shower stall.
Porter possessed four hard drives, a cell phone, and a laptop containing pornographic images of a pre-pubescent minor and a minor under age 12.
Michael Porter was charged with the following crimes in July 2021:
Seven counts of child pornography (use of minors and persuasion, and conspiracy): Title 18 USC 2251(a) and (e) with the potential penalty of 5-30 years in federal prison per charge
Two counts of receipt of child pornography: Title 18 USC 2252(a)(2)(A) with the potential penalty of 5-20 years in federal prison per charge
One count of possession of child pornography: Title 18 USC 2252(A)(a)(5)(B) with a potential penalty of up to 10 years in federal prison
The FBI is seeking to identify victims whose images were captured on recording devices. We believe that there may be over 100 victims ranging from ages 5 to 17 captured on recordings from approximately 2006 until 2020.
The FBI is standing by to accept phone calls with tips at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
According to the charges, Porter produced the child pornography after using, persuading, inducing, and enticing several minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct. He also possessed four hard drives, a cell phone, and a laptop computer that contained pornographic images of a prepubescent minor and a minor who had not attained 12 years of age, the indictment states.
— The United States Attorney’s Office Northern District of Illinois
The indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Totten.
If you believe you are a victim of sexual exploitation by Michael Porter, you are encouraged to contact the FBI Chicago Field Office by calling 1-312-421-6700.
— FBI Chicago
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Each production count is punishable by a minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and a maximum of 30 years. Each receipt count is punishable by a minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of 20 years. The possession count carries a maximum sentence of ten years. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
The FBI has Victim Services resources available and standing by to assist victims.
See more information …
Victim Assistance Program [PDF]
^^ MOBILE? USE VOICE MIC ^^
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