Local child porn offender sentenced to jail
June 25, 2008 · Updated 10:31 AM
An online child predator was sentenced to a 10-year prison sentence Friday in Island County Superior Court.
Island County Prosecutor Greg Banks said Norman Harms, a former Oak Harbor resident, used the Internet to get young girls to make pornographic videos of themselves.
Banks had asked the judge for a 12-year-sentence but was satisfied with the outcome.
It was still an exceptional sentence. He got more than the standard range, Banks said.
Banks said Harms was apologetic in court and said he was remorseful toward the family.
The mans activity came to light when a 12-year-old girl in Ohio reported to her school counselor what she had done, Banks said. It was soon discovered that one of her classmates had done the same thing repeatedly.
We have evidence that hes been at it for over 13 years, Banks said.
Banks added that these crimes are particularly important cases as offenders arent isolated to one place but have access to anyone with an Internet connection.
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