Philly journalist sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for possessing thousands of child pornography images and videos.
A Philadelphia journalist was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for possessing an extensive collection of child pornography. Michael Hochman, known for his contributions to various media outlets including Visit Philadelphia and Crossing Broad, came under scrutiny in 2022 after authorities discovered that he had exchanged explicit messages with a teenage girl. Investigators found that he had downloaded over 2,000 images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children onto his electronic devices.
Hochman, 52, from Huntingdon Valley, accumulated this disturbing collection over more than a decade, continuing to do so even after serving time for a previous conviction of sexually assaulting a teenager in Kansas in 2002. In sentencing Hochman, U.S. District Judge Kelley B. Hodge referenced his earlier conviction and imposed a sentence that exceeded the five years prosecutors recommended. She characterized Hochman’s actions as shameful and noted the profound depravity of his behavior, emphasizing that it was beyond words to express.
His criminal history includes a conviction for aggravated indecent liberties with a child, stemming from inappropriate interaction with a 13-year-old girl he met online. Following that conviction, he was sentenced to 55 months in prison.
In 2022, a mother from Missouri alerted law enforcement after discovering that her 15-year-old daughter, who has developmental disabilities, was engaging in explicit conversations with an older man online. This investigation ultimately led authorities to Hochman. When investigators seized six devices from his residence, four were found to contain a significant amount of child pornography, totaling approximately 1,900 photographs and 130 videos, many of which depicted extreme acts of abuse.
During the proceedings, Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Rotella expressed concern over the fact that Hochman began collecting such materials shortly after his previous legal repercussions. She asserted that the severity of his offenses was indisputable. In light of the evidence presented, the judge pointed out that some of the images recovered from Hochman’s devices depicted children as young as three years old.
Despite acknowledging the gravity of his actions, Hochman’s attorney stated that individuals should not be solely defined by their worst moments. The judge highlighted that Hochman, had opportunities to seek help and avoid criminal behavior, given his background and education. Hochman did express remorse for his actions, recognizing the harm he caused and vowing to work towards rehabilitation.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the grave implications surrounding child exploitation, an issue that continues to affect communities nationwide. Through decisive legal action, authorities aim to uphold the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations, particularly children.
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