CHESAPEAKE
A Circuit Court judge Monday sentenced a city man to six years in prison for videotaping underage girls and keeping a cache of child pornography.
George S. Koons, a 43-year-old former Navy lieutenant, pleaded guilty in July to 12 counts of filming minors without permission and possessing child pornography.
Judge Randy Smith told Koons his exemplary service record "masked and hid a sinister side." Smith sentenced Koons to 60 years, suspending all but six years. The judge noted that a psychological evaluation placed Koons in a low-risk category but said "there still must be a punishment."
Smith also barred Koons from having contact with anyone younger than 18, and from owning a camera, video recorder or cell phone with a camera. He must also register as a sex offender and be monitored by a GPS device when he is released from prison.
Prosecutor Diallo Morris said images found on a computer thumb drive represented "some of the most disgusting and vile child pornography." The images encouraged child abuse, he said.
Smith agreed. "This will probably be your one chance," he told Koons.
Koons was last assigned to Atlantic Naval Surface Forces in Norfolk. His lawyer said Koons has submitted his retirement papers ending his 22-year career.
A Navy spokesman said the secretary of the Navy will decide whether to approve the retirement, Koons' eligible rank and the character of his discharge.
Louis Hansen, (757) 222-5221, louis.hansen@pilotonline.com
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