Man sentenced to 30 years for production of child pornography

Spokane, Washington: Joseph H. Harrington, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington announced yesterday that 52-year-old Jason William Cathcart was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to two counts of production of child pornography.

While sentenced to 30 years, he was given credit for 5 years that he has been in state custody. He was additionally given lifetime supervision after his release.

Cathcart's case dates back to March 2016 when a witness went to police after walking in on Cathcart and a partially nude child. Cathcart allegedly stated something to the effect of, "No, no, no my life is over."

Cathcart turned himself into police and admitted to sexually abusing the child. He was convicted on state charges of first degree child molestation and sentenced to life, but would be eligible for parole after a minimum of ten years served.

Following the state conviction, a federal investigation was launched.

Electronic devices seized form his residence revealed over 2,000 images of child pornography as well as images that he had produced himself involving the previous victim and another child. "The devices used by Cathcart had been mailed, shipped, and/or transported across state lines and/or in foreign commerce."

Harrington stated that, "The lengthy sentence imposed today demonstrates the severity of Cathcart's criminal conduct. The Unites Stated Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Washington is committed to protecting vulnerable victims and prosecuting individuals who engage in conduct in which they attempt to product child pornography and sexually exploit children. I commend the outstanding work of our federal, state and local partners who worked collaboratively in the investigation of this case."