For Immediate Release: Contact: Gina Balaya (313) 226-9758

April 10, 2008

EVENT: Guilty Plea

Defendant: Albin Martin Zelek II

WOODHAVEN MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO DISTRIBUTING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
Forensic Examination Reveals Over 50,000 Images

A 41-year-old Woodhaven man pleaded guilty to distributing child pornography in federal court today, United States Attorney Stephen J. Murphy announced. Murphy was joined in the announcement by Andrew G. Arena, Special Agent-In-Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Detroit.

Albin Martin Zelek II entered the guilty plea in United States District Court in Detroit before Judge Avern Cohn.

Zelek admitted to using Limewire peer-to-peer software to make child pornography images available on the Internet from October 2006 to May 2007. Among other pictures, Limewire users could download sado-masochistic images of minors as young as 5 years old from Zelek’s computer. On May 30, 2007, federal agents executed a search warrant at his home, resulting in the seizure of two laptop computers. Subsequent forensic examination revealed 50,018 images of child pornography and 103 movies.

United States Attorney Murphy said, “The number and character of the images in this case, recording as they do the destruction of the innocence of so many children, is mind-boggling and particularly disturbing. Given the danger to children posed by the growing global market for child pornography, these cases are an appropriate priority for federal law enforcement.”

Distribution of child pornography is punishable by at least 5 and up to 20 years imprisonment. Pursuant to his plea agreement, Zelek agreed to an advisory sentencing range of 12 ½ to 15 ½ years imprisonment. No sentencing date has been scheduled. Zelek has been in custody since February 28, 2008 for violating the conditions of his bond.

This case was 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 Attorneys 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/.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Leonid Feller.