CLEARFIELD – The attorney for a man accused of possessing child pornography described his client as a “porn tourist” when he pleaded guilty Tuesday in Clearfield County Court.
Kevin Bryon Owens, 48, 1126 Mount Joy Rd., Clearfield, pleaded guilty to eight counts of sexual abuse of children/dissemination of photographs, 12 counts of child pornography and criminal use of communication facility before President Judge Fredric J. Ammerman.
Owens was sentenced to six months to one year in jail and two years consecutive probation. He was fined $600 plus costs. Owens must complete the Project Point of Light Program and due to the felony charges must submit to DNA testing at a cost of $250. He will also have to register his address to law enforcement under Megan’s Law.
Prior to sentencing, Chris Pentz, attorney for Owens explained that the images of child pornography were found mingled with images of regular pornography. He called Owens a “porn tourist” who will carry the sting of this accusation for the rest of his life.
Owens apologized saying he was sorry for bringing shame on his family.
Ammerman called this type of crime “disgusting.” He commented that Owens had no prior record and had served in the U.S. Air Force. He referred to Owens as a reputable man, adding these charges spoiled that reputation and must have embarrassed his family.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, in December of 2013, an officer was conducting an undercover investigation into the sharing of child pornography on the Internet. The officer was able to download contraband digital files from a computer that was traced and found to belong to Owens.
On June 26, 2014, a search warrant was obtained and served on the Owens residence. The officers seized two laptop computers and an external hard drive.
During an interview with investigators, Owens admitted to using file sharing software to download pornography.
A forensic examination was done on the hard drives. This revealed eight files of child pornography, two movie files and 10 thumbnail images depicting child pornography.