A Mechanicville man who admitted to using two young girls to produce child pornography will spend the rest of his life behind bars.
Robert McLaughlin, 58, was sentenced to a total of 60 years in federal prison by federal Judge Mae A. D’Agostino, who described McLaughlin’s actions by saying “disturbing” would be an understatement, officials said. If McLaughlin were to ever be released from prison, the sentence also calls for supervised release for the rest of his life.
McLaughlin admitted earlier to using the two young girls between 2012 and 2014 to produce what prosecutors called “visual depictions” of pornography. Prosecutors argued McLaughlin groomed the girls and then abused them.
McLaughlin was arrested in May 2014 at his Mechanicville residence. Police then searched the home and seized other evidence.
In her sentencing memorandum, Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa M. Fletcher argued the 60-year sentence was warranted in the case. Sentencing calculations called for that number.
“It is hard to imagine an offense more deserving of a life sentence,” Fletcher wrote. “The defendant’s crimes have irreparably damaged the lives of two children in ways too horrible to imagine.”
Fletcher wrote that the recommended 60-year sentence ensures the public will be protected from McLaughlin.
McLaughlin was represented by attorney Lee Kindlon, who argued in his own memorandum that a lesser sentence was appropriate. He wrote, among other things, that his client had no criminal history.
McLaughlin was initially charged in Saratoga County Court with multiple counts, but was later indicted on the federal charges. The county charges went forward, and he pleaded guilty there in February to one count of first-degree criminal sexual act. He faced up to 25 years in prison in that case.
The prosecution resulted from an investigation by the FBI and state police. It was prosecuted by assistant Fletcher and special Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda W. Cox.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Categories: -News-, Schenectady County
