Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that Carson Riess, a 41-year-old resident of Metairie, Louisiana, has been sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by 15 years of supervised release. This decision was made by U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey on May 27, 2025, after Riess pleaded guilty to the receipt of child pornography under Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(2) and (b)(1). Additionally, Riess is required to pay $172,500 in restitution to multiple victims and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
The case originated from an investigation into Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). On May 20, 2024, HSI agents and members of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office executed two federal search warrants at Riess’ home in Metairie. During the search, agents seized a computer containing CSAM and subsequently arrested Riess for receiving such material.
This case falls under Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. The project involves collaboration between United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), utilizing federal, state, and local resources to apprehend individuals exploiting children online and rescuing victims.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson commended the efforts of both the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in this case. Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot from the Narcotics Unit is prosecuting this case.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
