CONCORD, N.H. — A Lancaster man was sentenced in federal court for possession of child sexual abuse material after an undercover investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New England.
Olin Garneau, 37, was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison and 15 years of supervised release. Garneau waived indictment and pleaded guilty in February to a one-count information charging him with possession of child pornography.
“Those who distribute CSAM cause compounding harm to children who have already endured unspeakable trauma,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “The United States attorney’s office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold these offenders accountable for their crimes and provide justice to their survivors.”
“Garneau thought he was talking to another online predator who shared his interest in the sexual abuse of children. Instead, he found an undercover HSI task force officer,” said HSI New England Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol. “HSI is proud to work every day with our partners to find the criminals who produce, trade, and possess child sexual abuse material. Above all, our goal is to protect kids.”
Garneau corresponded with an undercover HSI task force officer through an online chat platform. During the chats, Garneau discussed topics related to the sexual exploitation of children. Garneau also sent the undercover officer an image of child sexual abuse, and a link to approximately 100 additional files including child sexual abuse material online. More child sexual abuse material was located by HSI on Garneau’s cell phone following the execution of a search warrant at his residence.
HSI New England’s Manchester Resident Agent in Charge office led the federal investigation. The Nashua Police Department, the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the New Hampshire State Police and the Lancaster Police Department provided valuable assistance.
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.