CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A 26-year-old man from Virginia, who previously lived in Corpus Christi, has been convicted of possessing child pornography despite claiming ignorance of its illegality, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. The jury reached its verdict after approximately nine hours of deliberation following a three-day trial.
The investigation into Anthony Porche began in October 2023 when authorities discovered his involvement with child sexual abuse material, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Porche’s residence, seizing electronic devices and uncovering several pornographic images on his cellphone. Porche admitted to downloading child pornography over several months, with at least five images found on his device.
Forensic analysis revealed approximately 500 images and videos depicting child sexual abuse material, some involving prepubescent children in explicit conduct. The defense argued Porche’s autism diagnosis rendered him unable to comprehend the illegality of his actions, but the jury rejected this claim, finding him guilty as charged.
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales presided over the trial and scheduled sentencing for April 23. Porche faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine. He remains on bond pending the sentencing hearing.
The investigation was conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations and the Corpus Christi Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Overman and Izaak Bruce are prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a Department of Justice initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse.