A Cleveland, Tn., man pleaded guilty Friday afternoon to possession of thousands of images of child pornography on his computer.
Federal prosecutors said William Patrick Cedar faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He remains in custody awaiting sentencing by Judge R. Allan Edgar on June 20 at 1 p.m.
Prosecutors said under the plea they agree to not oppose a 2-level reduction in the sentencing range due to his accepting responsibility and a 3-level reduction if warranted.
Authorities said Cedar was identified during two national investigations that targeted child pornography on the Internet. They said he was a member of two email groups dealing in child pornography.
They said the groups were set up on Yahoo and were distributing and trading child pornography.
Cedar was interviewed on July 17, 2003, by FBI Agent Scott Barker at his Cleveland residence. The agent said Cedar admitted he had been collecting the images for four years and had posted hundreds of images and approximately 30 videos.
The agent said a full examination of his computer turned up thousands of child pornography images and hundreds of videos.
He said several hundred victims were among the images, including some who were very young and were identified.
The agent said Cedar agreed to allow law enforcement to use his computer identity in their undercover operation.
Judge Edgar said Cedar will be required to undergo a psycho-sexual evaluation.