NC Pays for Wilmington Child Porn

There are few people who would argue that child pornography is a good thing. However, in North Carolina, the district attorney in Wilmington "cannot confirm" if there is an investigation into child pornography in an "independent film." She does confirm that "to make such a scene could be first-degree sexual exploitation of a child, a charge on the same level with armed robbery." However, the state may actually be paying for a portion of the film.

At issue is an independent film "Hounddog" in which the violent rape of a 9-year old is graphically portrayed. Various eyewitnesses describe being repulsed by the scenes shot and many investors have pulled out of the filming because of the disgusting acts being shot. (More details at Crime Report Blog.)

With a listed budget of $4 million, the producer is eligible for a direct cash payment of $600,000 from the state of North Carolina for filming the pornography in the state.

Now, does anyone see a conflict of interest when the state is paying cash for a film that appears to violate the state law?

(NCGS 14-190.16 (a) (4) ) states that it shall be the First Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, a serious Felony Offense in which records, photographs, films, develops, or duplicates for sale or pecuniary gain material that contains a visual representation depicting a minor engaged in sexual activity.

If Wilmington does not arrest and prosecute all the people involved here (the mother of the child sat by and watched because she was paid), it will only serve to illustrate that Wilmington is more interested in getting cash, even if it means raping children. I wonder if the city will begin accepting bribes from criminals who commit bank robbery and murder next -- after all, such activity generates economic activity, so in the state's eyes, it must be good.

Posted by: Ogre at 02:05 PM

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Posted by: K T Cat at August 09, 2006 01:25 PM (KDU/K)

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