MASSACHUSETTS MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO CHILD EXPLOITATION CHARGES

BIRMINGHAM, AL - LUKE SIMON GOLJAN, 27, of Boylston, Massachusetts, has plead guilty today in U.S. District Court to child exploitation charges. Specifically, GOLJAN plead guilty to one count of attempt to employ and use minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions, one count of possession of child pornography, and one count of transporting child pornography.

"Mr. Goljan is one of many pedophiles roaming the internet today. But his capture and prosecution is an immeasurable success because every sexual predator who is incarcerated represents the incalculable: one, two or maybe dozens of children that have been protected, who can continue to have a safe and innocent childhood," stated U.S. Attorney Alice H. Martin.

GOLJAN was indicted in April 2006, trial was scheduled to begin in U.S. District Court today, but GOLJAN decided to plead guilty to the charges. The plea agreement stipulates that on or about March 31, 2006, GOLJAN traveled to Birmingham, Alabama, for the purpose of engaging in sexual behavior and intended to photograph the sexual encounters with what he thought were three minor females in exchange for $1200. At the time of his arrest, at a Birmingham area hotel, GOLJAN also possessed images of child pornography.

GOLJAN now faces not less than 15 years in prison for the attempted production of child pornography. He additionally faces not less than 5 years in prison for transportation of child pornography in interstate commerce. The statutory punishment for possession of child pornography is not more than 10 years in prison. A sentencing hearing will be set by the Court in the near future.

In February 2006, United States Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales created 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 marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

This matter was investigated by the Birmingham Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Vince Carroll and James Phillips prosecuted the matter on behalf of the U.S. Government.