Borrego Springs Man Sentenced to 120 Months in Prison For Possessing Child Sex Abuse Material

Press Release

NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY

SAN DIEGO - Robert Clonts, a registered sex offender from Borrego Springs, was sentenced in federal court today to 10 years in prison for possessing approximately 147 images of child sex abuse material.

According to court documents, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received information from an online service provider about a customer who uploaded approximately 147 images of child sex abuse material on May 25, 2023. NCMEC provided this information to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which identified Clonts as the customer who uploaded the child sex abuse material.

Following his arrest in December 2023, Clonts admitted to obtaining and viewing child pornography on a cellular device and other media devices. Clonts also verified his email address and phone number matched the information on the suspect account that uploaded the 147 images containing sexually explicit depictions of prepubescent minors.

Clonts pleaded guilty on August 13, 2024, admitting he possessed images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. According to publicly filed documents in this case, Clonts was previously convicted in 1990 of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under the age of 14, which resulted in his registration as a sex offender.

"This defendant's actions are a grave violation of both the law and human decency," said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. "Those who put children in jeopardy will face the full force of justice."

"This sentence should send a clear message that individuals who think they can get away with sexually exploiting children will be vehemently sought by law enforcement and ultimately brought to justice," said FBI San Diego Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy. "The FBI and it's law enforcement partners take great pride in locking up criminals who commit these types of crimes and will remain dedicated to ensuring the safety of all Americans, especially children."

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Sherwood.

DEFENDANTS Case Number 24CR0048-H

Robert Colia Clonts Age: 67 Borrego Springs, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Possession of Images of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct - Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2452(a)(4)(B)

Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison, and a mandatory minimum prison term of 10 years; $250,000 fine; Supervised release for life; Registration as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act

INVESTIGATING AGENCY

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Contact

Updated November 18, 2024