Feds Seek 27-Year Sentence in Child Porn Case

Federal prosecutors will ask for a 27-year prison sentence for a Massachusetts man who authorities say chatted online with other men about their mutual desire to abduct, kill and eat children.

Geoffrey Portway, of Worcester, pleaded guilty to solicitation to commit a crime of violence, and possession and distribution of child pornography.

Under a plea agreement, prosecutors and Portway's lawyer agreed to a sentencing range of 18 to 27 years.

In a sentencing memo filed Tuesday, prosecutors ask for 27 years, arguing that chats recovered from Portway's computer show he solicited several people for help in abducting a child with the intent of raping, killing and eating the child.

His lawyer, Richard Sweeney, said he plans to argue for the low end of the range, about 18 years.

Sentencing is scheduled Sept. 17 in Worcester.

[Associated Press]