Delaware man sentenced to nearly 4 years in child pornography case

WILMINGTON, Delaware — A Lewes, Delaware man, was sentenced Wednesday to nearly four years in prison after a federal child pornography case led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Philadelphia.

John B. Alwood, 54, of Lewes, Delaware, was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison followed by 10 years of supervised release.

Based on documents filed and statements made in open court, Alwood, co-owner of the Lewes Daily Market, in Lewis, Delaware, gained sexual gratification from viewing child pornography several hours a day, every day, for 10 years. Alwood did so using internet software that allowed him to view and masturbate to child pornography, all the while communicating with other pedophiles doing the same thing. The pornographic videos playing in these live-stream child pornography groups included, but were not limited to, the rape of prepubescent children.
“HSI special agents remain committed to targeting and arresting child predators engaged in this terrible crime,” said Marlon V. Miller, special agent in charge of HSI Philadelphia. “We owe it to the young victims to make certain that these offenders pay a high price for their wrongdoings.”

HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators. From outside the U.S. and Canada, callers should dial 802-872-6199. Hearing impaired users can call TTY 802-872-6196.

Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, an Operation Predator partner, via its toll-free 24-hour hotline, 1-800-THE-LOST.

For additional information about wanted suspected child predators, download HSI’s Operation Predator smartphone app or visit the online suspect alerts page. HSI is a founding member of the Virtual Global Taskforce, an international alliance of law enforcement agencies and private industry sector partners working together to prevent and deter online child sexual abuse.