A New Boston, Texas woman who videotaped herself molesting a 3-year-old boy is scheduled for sentencing next week in a federal court in Texarkana.
Haidy Noel Branson, 24, is set to be sentenced Aug. 27 by U.S. District Judge Robert Schroeder in the Texarkana Division of the Eastern District of Texas. Branson faces 15 to 30 years in a federal prison and could be fined up to $250,000.
Branson admitted she used Samsung Galaxy cell phone to videotape herself performing sexual acts on the child and that she then sent the pornographic images to multiple other people, in documents filed at the time of her plea.
Branson plead guilty to a single count of production of material involving the sexual exploitation of a child at a hearing June 4 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Caroline Craven.
Charges of possession of child pornography, reception of child pornography and distribution of child pornography included in Branson’s indictment will probably be dismissed at sentencing as part of her plea bargain.
Upon completion of her prison sentence, Branson must register as a sex offender and provide a sample of her DNA. If she fails to notify authorities of any changes in her residence or employment, or if she fails to re-register at regular intervals, additional state and/or federal charges are a possibility.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Locker is prosecuting the case. Branson is represented by Jeff Harrelson of Texarkana.
Branson has been behind bars since her arrest Jan. 9.
