Man sentenced in child porn production case

DETROIT (AP) -- A federal judge in Detroit sentenced a 47-year-old man to 45 years in prison last Friday for filming sex acts involving a 7-year-old girl. Robert Mueller is the second man sentenced in the case that started in June 2009. Authorities said prescription sleep medication was given to the girl, who then was photographed as each man engaged in sexually explicit conduct with her. Photos of the sex acts with the girl were downloaded to their computers. "While rescuing children from these dangerous situations is our immediate concern, it should also be noted that there will be no refuge from justice for the individuals who engage in this vile behavior," said Brian Moskowitz, special agent in charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Detroit. "We will remain vigilant on behalf of those who cannot protect themselves." Mueller, of Sterling Heights, pleaded guilty in May to producing child pornography. His co-defendant, John Belloli Jr., was sentenced in May to 35 years in prison for producing and possessing child pornography. They were arrested in July 2010. In his plea agreement, Belloli admitted to sexually assaulting a girl while pictures were taken. More than 600 images of child pornography were found during searches of Mueller's home and Belloli's home. The majority was downloaded and collected from the Internet, authorities said. Published: Tue, Aug 16, 2011