Hopkinton man convicted of child porn will serve 11 years in federal prison

A Hopkinton man was sentenced Thursday to 11 years in federal prison for possessing over 4,000 images of child pornography.

Paul LeClere, 50, pleaded guilty in January to one count of possession of child pornography. Five other charges were dismissed as part of the plea agreement. LeClere had 4,050 files, including videos and photos. He also shared files on the Internet.

LeClere was ordered to pay $4,000 in restitution to the guardian of the child in the pornography. He also will pay a $10,000 fine. Jill Johnston, LeClere's lawyer, asked the court for a lesser sentence of 60 months and a lower fine. Johnston argued LeClere had done well on pretrial release and stayed away from child pornography, which shows he can and wants to change.

She also asked the judge to consider his stable work history and 11 years in the military.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Tremmel asked the court to stay within the guideline range, noting LeClere had a 15-year history of viewing and sharing child pornography.

LeClere told the judge he didn't have anything to say other than admitting his guilt, and he 'will take punishment as it comes.”

U.S. District Chief Judge Linda Reade said many of the minors pictured were younger than 12, and many of the materials were sadistic. LeClere provided the 'disturbing” images to others, and these are real children who are victimized over and over, Reade said.

Reade also refused to lower his $10,000 fine. She said he could pay a fine because he would receive a $30,000 inheritance from his parents' estate. She added that the restitution should be a priority over the fine.