Somersworth Man Sentenced To 66 Months For Distribution And Possession Of Child Sexual Abuse Materials

CONCORD – Mark E. Butler, 46, of Somersworth, was sentenced to 66 months in federal prison for distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between June and September 2021, federal and state law enforcement investigated the online sexual exploitation activities of the defendant, Mark E. Butler, who used various social media applications to share child sexual abuse material. For example, on September 23, 2021, Butler distributed a one-minute video depicting a prepubertal child engaging in sexual behavior towards an undercover agent. On October 13, 2021, investigators executed a federal search warrant to seize electronic devices used by Butler to distribute and possess child sexual abuse materials. Butler admitted to using the internet to obtain child sexual abuse material. Subsequent forensic analysis of Butler’s Apple iPhone and evidence obtained from a cloud storage service provider confirmed that Butler used various social media applications, emails and text messages to send child sexual abuse material to other individuals.

In addition to his sentence, Butler was sentenced to five years of supervised release after his release from prison and a $6,000 restitution payment.

“The protection of children is a top priority and those involved in child exploitation will be prosecuted and we will seek substantial sentences as demonstrated in this case,” said US Attorney Young. “This case is another example of the collaborative work our law enforcement partners are doing to identify and prosecute those who possess and distribute child sexual abuse materials.”

“Butler possessed and distributed child exploitation material and his sharing of this material perpetuates a cycle of abuse. Homeland Security Investigations and our partners will continue to pursue individuals involved in any part of the child exploitation cycle,” said Matthew Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England.

This matter was investigated by the US Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the New Hampshire State Police, the Strafford County Sheriff’s Office, the Somersworth Police Department, the Salem Police Department, the Rochester Police Department and the Manchester Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cam T. Le.

In February 2006, the Department of Justice launched Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood provides federal, state and local resources to better detect, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims . For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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