A Sacramento man was sentenced today by a federal judge to 24 years in prison for child pornography and sex tourism.
James E. Johnston, 71, was convicted in May by a jury to conspiring to produce child porn, two counts of receiving child pornography, possession of child pornography, and "traveling in foreign commerce" with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.
Judge Morrison C. England Jr. said at sentencing that Johnston's crime, and the need to deter others, warranted the lengthy sentence.
A press release from the U.S. Attorney's office said Judge England stated that Johnston went to "extensive efforts ... to go to countries where (sex trafficking of minors) takes place," and that he went multiple times.
"Going once is bad enough; going 2, 3, 10 times ... takes it to a whole new level," said Judge England.
Johnston's downloading and possession of child pornography, Judge England said, created a market for child pornography, and that that market "creates greater victimization."
Evidence at trial indicated that Johnston had plans to travel to the Philippines in order to have sex with minors, according to the press release.
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