A Presque Isle man, Joseph Ebner, pleaded guilty on Apr. 17 in U.S. District Court in Bangor to distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to address crimes involving the exploitation of children online. Authorities say these offenses not only harm victims directly but also cause further trauma each time such images are shared or viewed.
According to court records, Ebner, age 32, communicated online with an undercover agent who was posing as the father of a nine-year-old girl. During these conversations, Ebner sent multiple videos containing child sexual abuse material and indicated his intent to have sexual contact with the fictitious daughter. Investigators executed a search warrant at his residence after gathering this information. Ebner admitted during an interview that he had communicated with the agent and sent several images of child sexual abuse material. A forensic examination of his electronic devices uncovered additional illegal images and videos.
Ebner faces a minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years for distributing child sexual abuse material, as well as up to 20 years for possession charges. Each count carries a potential fine of $250,000 and supervised release for life. Sentencing will take place after completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office; final sentencing decisions will be made by a federal district court judge based on statutory factors and guidelines.
The FBI, Penobscot County Sheriffâs Office, and Bangor Police Department investigated this case.
Child sexual abuse materials are defined legally as âchild pornographyâ but represent documentation of actual victimization and exploitation; victims suffer revictimization every time such materials are accessed or distributed. In 2023 alone, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children received over 36 million reports regarding possession or distribution of these materials.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Maine is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes across Maineâincluding cases like this oneâand works closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies according to its official website. The office also handles civil matters involving government interests and collects debts owed federally while operating out of Portland and Bangor according to its official website.
This prosecution was part of Project Safe Childhoodâa nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child exploitation via internet platforms.
