TYLER, TX – United States Attorney Rebecca A. Gregory announced today that WILLIAM ALLEN PIPES, a 35 year old Gilmer, Texas man, has pleaded guilty to the charge of possession of material involving the sexual exploitation of minors.

According to the evidence presented in court, on January 10, 2008, at his residence in Gilmer, Texas, PIPES possessed a personal computer that contained visual depictions involving minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. On that same date, the computer was seized by law enforcement officers pursuant to a federal search warrant. A forensic analysis of the computer revealed visual depictions involving minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

During the plea hearing, which was held before United States Magistrate Judge Judith Guthrie, PIPES admitted possession of more than 300 images of child pornography. PIPES faces a maximum of ten years in prison, a $250,000 fine and at least five years of supervised release. A sentencing date has not been set.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U. S. Secret Service, and the Longview Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bill Baldwin.