West Branch man to serve 20 years for child pornography

WEST BRANCH - A federal judge Wednesday sentenced a 23-year-old former West Branch day care worker to 20 years, the maximum prison time for distribution of child pornography.

U.S. District Chief Judge Linda Reade gave Brady Verlo the maximum guideline sentence based on the nature of the crime, the victims involved were under the age of 12, he possessed over 20,000 images and 900 videos of child pornography and a graphic email he sent to another man regarding a child.

None of the victims were from the day care center or area children.

Reade ordered Verlo to pay $1,500 in restitution to seven victims. The other victims who initially claimed restitution withdrew their requests. He also will be on supervised release for 20 years after his prison time and must comply with the sex offender registration requirements.

Verlo, who was employed by the West Branch Day Care Center at the time he was arrested in January, pleaded guilty to one count of distributing child pornography in April. The other three charges were dismissed Wednesday as part of the plea agreement.

Reade said she wouldn't consider a downward variance in sentencing based on disturbing facts in the case.

Reade was referring to items found during a search of Verlo's apartment, besides the photos and video of child pornography, and an additional email with graphic language.

Reade said there was no evidence Verlo ever physically abused any children at the day care or otherwise but he always placed himself near children.

'He sought out paying job and volunteer work with children from infants to fifth-graders,” Reade said.

Al Willett, Verlo's attorney, asked for a sentence on the low end of the guideline range, 17 years, based on his mental health issues, absence of criminal history and his age.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Tremmel said most defendants charged with child pornography don't have a criminal history and Verlo's mental health issues don't qualify as mitigating factors. The concern was whether he would reoffend.

Reade agreed with Tremmel. She said most don't have a criminal history and his 'special education” issues weren't clear. He was diagnosed with ADD but went on the graduate from high school and took classes at Kirkwood College and his GPA was above average. She said his parents were proactive about getting him medical treatment.

Verlo apologized to the victims and said he hoped the restitution would help them in the future.