Conway Man Admits to Using Bitcoin for Purchasing Child Sexual Abuse Images and Videos
A resident of Conway, SC is facing federal prison time after confessing to using Bitcoin to purchase child sexual abuse material from a darknet website. Laine Clark, Jr., 33, admitted to possessing child sexual abuse materials, as reported by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Back in 2019, authorities worldwide charged hundreds of individuals, including Clark, in connection to the darknet site known as Welcome To Video. This site was infamous for selling child sexual abuse materials using the cryptocurrency Bitcoin, making it the largest child sexual exploitation market until it was shut down by authorities.
During an investigation, agents from Homeland Security discovered that Clark had made multiple Bitcoin purchases on the site between March and August of 2016. Upon searching Clark’s residence in Conway, agents found numerous electronic devices containing a disturbing total of 10,910 images and 1,210 videos of child sexual abuse material. Clark was present during the search and admitted to being involved in activities related to child sexual abuse materials, according to the DOJ.
As a result of his actions, Clark was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of court-ordered supervision. Additionally, the judge ordered Clark to pay $41,000 in restitution.
For further updates on this case, stay tuned to WMBF News.
