Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced to 10 Years for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material Found During HSI Investigation

BOSTON — A Chelsea man was sentenced June 5 for possessing child sexual abuse material discovered by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents during an investigation into an online child sexual abuse material distribution network.

Lasall Johnson, 55, was sentenced to 10 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. In March, Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography.

“Johnson secretly hoarded hundreds of images depicting the sexual abuse of innocent children until HSI investigators discovered that he shared those horrific images on a file sharing network available to users who sought them out. This sentence ensures that our communities are safer with him in federal prison,” said HSI New England Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol. “HSI works tirelessly to bring to justice those who possess and distribute child sexual abuse imagery. Each image immortalizes the trauma of a child, and we will do everything possible to stop the consumers who create the demand for this abuse.”

In or around June 2021, an HSI New England investigation into a peer-to-peer file sharing program identified Johnson as a user on an IP address distributing large quantities of child sexual abuse material. On more than 85 occasions ranging from approximately June 2021 to April 2022, that IP address offered to share torrent files of suspected child sexual abuse. When HSI special agents searched Johnson’s rented bedroom, they seized six electronic devices, including three cellphones, two thumb drives and an electronic tablet. HSI’s forensic analysis located approximately 341 image and video files depicting the sexual abuse of children across three of the seized devices, including files depicting victims as young as four years old.

In 1989, Johnson was convicted in Norfolk County Superior Court of two counts of assault to rape, for which he received a 20-year state prison sentence with two years committed and the balance suspended for 18 years. As a result of those convictions, Johnson is a Level-2 registered sex offender in Massachusetts.

“Mr. Johnson’s incredibly dangerous predatory actions perpetuated the exploitation and abuse of the most vulnerable members of our society. The sentence imposed not only removes a threat from our communities but also sends a clear and unequivocal message to other potential offenders that possessing child sexual abuse material comes with grave and severe consequences,” said acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Possessing child pornography is far from a victimless crime. Each image and video represents a real child who has been horrifically victimized, and consuming and distributing this material contributes to a cycle of abuse that leaves lasting scars on victims. Our office remains steadfastly committed to protecting children from such predators. This sentence is a reflection of our unwavering dedication to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our communities, particularly the children who depend on us for protection.”

Krol, Levy and Chelsea Police Chief Keith Houghton made the announcement June 6.

HSI is a global leader in the fight against child exploitation. Last year, HSI special agents dedicated 1.2 million case hours toward investigating child exploitation. This heinous crime harms the most vulnerable in our society: our kids. As technology evolves and more people have access to the internet, children are at a greater risk than ever. HSI’s special agents and analysts around the world are dedicated to countering this threat.

Report suspected child exploitation to the HSI tip line at 877-4-HSI-TIP or through the CyberTipline on the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children's website.