WILMINGTON, Del. – A long-haul truck driver who sexually abused his minor relative and possessed hundreds of files depicting child sexual abuse material has been sentenced to more than 27 years in federal prison, prosecutors announced Monday.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware, David Morrison was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika to 327 months in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for transporting, receiving, and possessing child sexual abuse material. Upon release, Morrison will also be required to register as a sex offender.
The investigation began after the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children provided law enforcement with thirteen cyber tips indicating that Morrison had uploaded or attempted to upload child sexual abuse material to multiple online accounts. Authorities located Morrison in Smyrna, Delaware, where he was working as a truck driver, and executed a federal search warrant on his vehicle.
A forensic examination of Morrison’s phone revealed 164 media files—25 videos and 139 images—depicting child sexual exploitation, including material involving infants and toddlers. Investigators identified a child in several images as Morrison’s minor relative, who later disclosed to law enforcement that Morrison had sexually abused her multiple times between the ages of 6 and 11.
U.S. Attorney Wallace said the sentence reflects the grave harm caused by Morrison’s actions. “There are no victims more vulnerable than children—and there are no victims for whom my Office will fight harder,” Wallace said. “This just sentence reflects the profound harm that David Morrison caused to his many victims, most especially his minor relative.”
Homeland Security Investigations led the case, and Special Agent in Charge Eric D. McLoughlin commended the joint efforts that brought Morrison to justice. “His conduct was calculated, predatory, and caused profound harm to a vulnerable child,” McLoughlin said. “This sentence underscores the strength of our partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware.”
A long-haul truck driver was sentenced to over 27 years in prison for possessing child sexual abuse material and sexually abusing his minor relative.