Chelsea sex offender convicted of possessing child pornography

A Chelsea sex offender who pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography was sentenced to a decade in prison, Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy's office announced Thursday.

U.S. District Court Judge Leo Sorkin on Wednesday sentenced Lasall Johnson, 55, to 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release, Levy's office said in a statement. Johnson pleaded guilty in March 2024 to one count of possession of child pornography and was charged by a criminal complaint a year prior and was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2023.

In June 2021, an investigation into a file-sharing program identified Johnson as the owner of an IP address distributing large quantities of child sexual abuse material files, Levy's office said. On more than 85 occasions between June 2021 and April 2022, the IP address offered to share torrent files of suspected child sexual abuse material.

A search of Johnson's rented room revealed six electronic devices, including three cell phones, two USB drives and a tablet, Levy's office said. The items were searched and around 341 image and video files depicting child sexual abuse on three of the devices were found, including files showing children as young as four years old.

“Mr. Johnson's incredibly dangerous predatory actions have perpetuated the exploitation and abuse of the most vulnerable members of our society,” Levy said in the statement. “The sentence imposed not only eliminates a threat to our communities, but sends also a clear and unequivocal message to other potential offenders: possession of child pornography carries serious and serious consequences.”

Johnson was convicted of two counts of assault with intent to rape in Norfolk County Superior Court in 1989, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison, with two years in prison and the rest suspended for 18 years.

“Possession of child pornography is far from a victimless crime,” Levy said. “Each image and video depicts a real child who was horribly victimized, and the consumption and distribution of this material contributes to a cycle of abuse that leaves lasting scars on victims. Our office remains firmly committed to protecting children from these predators. This phrase reflects our unwavering dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities, especially the children who depend on us for their protection.