He will also be placed on lifetime supervision after he’s released.
Baltimore, Md (KM) A Brunswick man who sexually exploited a two-year-old girl to produce child pornography is going away to prison for a long time. In U-S District Court in Baltimore on Thursday William H. Steinhaus IV, 34, was sentenced to 25-years behind bars. He will be placed on life time supervision after his release, and must register as a sex offender wherever he lives, goes to school or works.
The US Attorney’s Office for Maryland says December 8th and 9th, 2014,., Steinhaus had conversations over an instant messaging application called Kik about how he was engaged in sexually explicit conduct with the child. He spoke with several users who shared his sexual interest in prepubescent children, federal officials say. Steinhaus also took pictures with his iPhone and iPad of a two-year-old girl engaged in sexually explicit conduct and distributed them to 25 other Kik users.
In his plea agreement, Steinhaus admitted during those two days he and other Kik users exchanged about 290 messages, including a discussion on how he could best sexually abuse the toddler.
He also admitted in his plea agreement that he exchanged 419 message on Kik with an undercover police officer, whom Steinhaus e-mail on December 8th, 2014. He sent the undercover agent 30 pictures he took of the very young child.
Federal officials say police began a surveillance of Steinhaus on December 9th, 2014. During that time, they manged to use a ruse to get Steinhaus to come out of his home. He brought along his iPhone. When officers identified themselves, Steinhaus fought with police as they tried to get his phone, and access to the device. Steinhaus was arrested and the victim was rescued by officers.
The US Attorney’s Office says nine of the Kik users to whom Steinhaus sent photographs of the victim were arrested and charged; five of them federally. Five of those federal defendants pleaded guilty to distribution, possession or transportation of child pornography. Two others have charges pending.. Three of the convicted defendants were sentenced to five to ten years in prison. Two are awaiting sentencing.
Steinhaus is scheduled to be sentenced on Tuesday, March 21st in Frederick County Circuit Court. He pleaded guilty on December 8th, 2016 to two counts of sexual abuse of a minor.
By Kevin McManus