GALVESTON, Texas – A 41-year-old Alvin man who had previously worked as a martial arts and gymnastics instructor has pleaded guilty to child pornography charges just before his trial was set to begin.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office says Franklin Joseph Perkins previously worked at the Kuk Sool Won martial arts studio and Gulf Coast Gymnastics, both located in Alvin.
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An investigation revealed someone with a Google account had uploaded files possibly depicting child sexual abuse material (CSAM) onto their servers. Law enforcement linked Perkins to that account and determined he had been using various Google accounts and his cell phone to receive and possess child pornography.
U.S. District Judge Jeffrey V. Brown accepted the plea and set sentencing for April 15. At that time, Perkins he faces a minimum of five and up to 20 years for receiving CSAM and up to 10 years for possessing it. He could also be ordered to pay up to a $250,000 fine as well as a $5,000 special assessment under the Justice for Trafficking Act, a maximum of a $35,000 special assessment under the Amy, Vicky and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act and mandatory restitution in an amount of no less than $3,000 per victim.
Perkins will remain in custody pending sentencing.
He was taken into custody in November 2023 for the charges.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation along with Pearland Police Department, Galveston County Sheriff’s Office and the Houston Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force conducted the investigation.