CONCORD – Mark E. Butler, 46, of Somersworth, was sentenced to 66 months in federal
prison for distribution and possession of child sexual abuse materials, United States Attorney Jane
E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between June and September
2021, federal and state law enforcement officers investigated the online child sexual exploitation
activities of the defendant, Mark E. Butler, who used various social media applications to share
child sexual abuse materials. For example, on September 23, 2021, Butler distributed a one-minute
video depicting a prepubescent child engaged in sexual conduct to an undercover agent.
On October 13, 2021, investigators executed a federal search warrant to seize electronic devices used by Butler to distribute and possess child sexual abuse materials. Butler admitted that he used the internet to
obtain child sexual abuse materials. Subsequent forensic analysis of Butler’s Apple iPhone and
evidence obtained from a cloud storage service provider confirmed Butler’s use of several social
media applications, emails, and text messages to send child sexual abuse materials to other
individuals.
In addition to his sentence, Butler was sentenced to five years of supervised release
following his release from prison and a $6,000 restitution payment.
“Protecting children is a paramount priority and those who engage in child exploitation will
be prosecuted and we will seek significant sentences as demonstrated in this case,” said U.S.
Attorney Young. “This case is another example of the collaborative work our law enforcement
partners engage in to identify and prosecute those who possess and distribute child sexual abuse
materials.”
“Butler possessed and distributed child exploitation materials and his sharing of this material
perpetuates a cycle of abuse. Homeland Security Investigations and our partners will continue to
pursue individuals who are involved in any part of the child exploitation cycle,” said Matthew
Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland
Security Investigations, with assistance from the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children
Task Force, the New Hampshire State Police, the Strafford County Sheriff’s Office, the
Somersworth Police Department, the Salem Police Department, the Rochester Police Department,
and the Manchester Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cam
T. Le.
In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a
nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the
United States Attorney’s 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.