Atlanta, GA - JAMES EDWARD SOMMERVILLE, 54, of Rossville, Georgia, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Orinda D. Evans on charges of distribution and possession of child exploitation images.

United States Attorney David E. Nahmias said, “This prosecution and sentence demonstrate our continuing commitment to protect our children from the scourge of sexual exploitation by identifying and prosecuting those who use the internet to exploit them again. The long sentence imposed on this defendant is entirely appropriate.”

SOMMERVILLE was sentenced to 16 years, 3 months in prison to be followed by 15 years of supervised release. SOMMERVILLE pleaded guilty to these charges on February 14, 2007.

According to United States Attorney Nahmias and the information presented in court: SOMMERVILLE sent a total of eight child exploitation images and one child exploitation video to two separate undercover agents. On November 16, 2006, federal agents, assisted by local authorities, executed a search warrant at SOMMERVILLE’s home in Rossville, Georgia. Law enforcement officers found a computer in the home, which contained hundreds of child exploitation images. A total of 139 child victims portrayed in these images are known and identified.

This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In February 2006, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales launched 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.