Columbia man sentenced to 10 years in prison for child pornography

Brenner Dawson, charged with child pornography in Boone County after a long Highway Patrol investigation, was sentenced on Monday to ten years in prison.

Judge Jeff Harris went above what the state recommended, which was six years, for three counts of possession of child pornography. Dawson was sentenced for 10 years on each count, with the sentences to run concurrent (at the same time).

Dawson’s attorney, Christopher Slusher, argued for probation. He says Dawson has a well-documented history of mental health issues, including bipolar disorder and PTSD. Dawson’s mother believes he was improperly medicated, causing issues with his “impulse control.” Dawson readily admitted he had a problem with consuming child porn.

The Highway Patrol investigator said that they found more than 6,000 pictures of porn, with at least 12 identified children through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Ten kids can also be seen in at least 94 videos, according to NCMEC. Dawson also told investigators he “preferred” porn including girls between the ages of eight to twelve.