Thomas Robert Kernohan, an admitted child pornographer has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor after receiving and distributing child pornography. Upon his release from prison, Kernohan, age 35, will be placed on lifetime probation and will be required to register as a sex offender.
In 2013, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) launched an investigation after identifying Kernohan as an online trader in child pornography through a foreign file-sharing website. During a court authorized search of Kernohan’s home in Ahwatukee, HSI agents located an encrypted external hard drive containing hundreds of pictures and images of suspected child pornography. Kernohan admitted to collecting the images, stating that he had “a sick fascination with young boys” and that he knew it was “obviously wrong.”
Kernohan was sentenced by Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Jose Padilla.
The Attorney General’s Office and HSI encourage the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through a toll-free Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators. From outside the U.S. and Canada, callers should dial 802-872-6199. Hearing impaired users can call TTY 802-872-6196. Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, an Operation Predator partner, via its toll-free 24-hour hotline, 1-800-THE-LOST.