Sex offender convicted in Eastern District of Virginia, receives sentence for child pornography possession

A Newport News man, Eric Alan Starling, with two prior convictions for sexual offenses involving minors, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for receipt of child pornography. Starling was reported to the police for inappropriate messages with a minor on Snapchat, which led to a search of his social media accounts confirming sexually explicit conversations with minors and the possession of child sex abuse material. A federal search warrant on Starling’s residence resulted in the seizure of nine electronic devices containing illegal images.

Starling had previously been convicted in Virginia in 2006 and 2009 for offenses involving minors. In 2006, he was found guilty of using a computer to solicit a minor, and in 2009, he was convicted of aggravated sexual battery, indecent liberties with children, and possessing sexually explicit material with a minor. Following the search and seizure of his devices, forensic analysis revealed the presence of child sex abuse material, leading to his sentencing to 20 years in prison.

The announcement of Starling’s sentencing was made by U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber, FBI Special Agent Brian Dugan, and Newport News Police Chief Steve R. Drew. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Devon Heath and Lisa McKeel, highlighting the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat child sexual exploitation through initiatives like Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood, a Department of Justice initiative launched in 2006, aims to address and prevent child sexual exploitation and abuse through coordinated efforts at the federal, state, and local levels. By identifying and prosecuting individuals who exploit children online and rescuing victims, Project Safe Childhood works to combat the widespread issue of child sexual exploitation. More information about the initiative can be found on the Department of Justice’s website.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia provided a copy of the press release on the case, and related court documents can be accessed on the District Court’s website or through PACER by searching for Case No. 4:23-cr-52. The sentencing of Eric Alan Starling serves as a reminder of the serious consequences for those who engage in child sexual exploitation and abuse, highlighting the importance of continued efforts to protect vulnerable children from harm.