July 6, 2007

Pierce County man pleads guilty to possession of child pornography
Investigation is part of nationwide "Operation Emissary"

TACOMA, Wash. - A former Boeing airplane inspector pleaded guilty today in federal court to charges of possession of child pornography as part of Operation Emissary, a nationwide investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) into a website that offered images and movies of hardcore child pornography.

Delbert R. Merrill, 43, was arrested at his home in Puyallup, Wash., on October 23, 2006. Prior to his arrest, investigators searched Merrill's home and computer and discovered more than 50 movies and more than 2,300 images of child pornography, which had been downloaded from the Internet. Merrill also had taken sexually suggestive photos of a child he knew.

"Investigating those who seek to victimize children is one of the most important responsibilities that ICE has," said Leigh Winchell, special agent in charge for ICE's Office of Investigations in Seattle. "ICE remains committed to protecting our children and communities from sexual predators."

Under the terms of the plea agreement, Merrill will be sentenced to nine years in prison and 10 years of supervised release. If U.S. District Judge Ronald B. Leighton does not accept that sentence, both sides can withdraw from the agreement. Merrill's sentencing is scheduled for October 5.

"Operation Emissary" was initiated in the New Jersey ICE office in late 2005. There have been 232 people arrested nationwide. Those charged had subscribed to a hard-core child pornography website in late 2005 and early 2006. The arrests were made in 40 states, including Washington.

-- ICE --

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was established in March 2003 as the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security. ICE is comprised of five integrated divisions that form a 21st century law enforcement agency with broad responsibilities for a number of key homeland security priorities.

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