HARRISONBURG, Va. – A man the Harrisonburg Police Department arrested in
2021 was found guilty this week of possessing and distributing child pornography.
Rodney Williams, 52, of Harrisonburg, was found guilty by a jury on 50 counts of
possessing child pornography, one count of distributing child pornography and
24 counts of distributing child pornography 2nd or subsequent offense following
a two-day trial that ended April 12. Sentencing is set for July 7, 2023, in
Rockingham County Circuit Court.

The investigation began when HPD received a Cyber Tip from the National Center
for Mission and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Detectives assigned to HPD’s
Internet Crimes Against Children unit (ICAC) executed a search warrant on
Williams’ residence where they seized items relating to the investigation. A
detective from HPD forensically examined a cell phone belonging to Williams and
located hundreds of images and videos of child pornography. The detective was
also able to see that Williams shared images and videos with others.
Williams was initially arrested on Aug. 26, 2021, where he faced 20 counts of
possessing child pornography. The investigation continued, leading to additional
charges being filed at a later date.

HPD’s ICAC unit is a member of the Northern Virginia/Washington, DC Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (NOVA/DC ICAC). HPD was assisted by investigators from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and routinely works with HSI on child
exploitation investigations.

“The Commonwealth appreciates the jury’s careful consideration on an emotionally difficult case, and feels confident that justice was served,” Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Alycia Eldridge said. “And we thank the dedicated detectives from the Harrisonburg Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations for their efforts in the investigation and prosecution of child exploitation cases.”

Williams was remanded to the custody of the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office pending a sentencing hearing.