Child Erotica Writer, Red Rose Pleads Guilty

Karen Fletcher posted stories that vividly described the sexual molestation and violent abuse of children - receives probation.

August 8, 2008

PA NEWS -- Yesterday, Karen Fletcher, AKA "Red Rose" pleaded guilty in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to six counts of using an interactive computer service to distribute obscene materials. U.S. District Court Judge Joy Flowers Conti sentenced Fletcher to serve five years probation and forfeit her computer equipment used to operate her web site.

The 56-year-old woman owned and operated a public Web site that distributed "text stories." On the site, Fletcher posted story excerpts that vividly described the sexual molestation and violent abuse of children. Individuals could buy memberships to additional areas of the site where complete stories, describing the sexual abuse, rape, torture and murder of newborn to teenage children, were available. Furthermore, the plea agreement reveals that Fletcher, using the pen name "Red Rose," wrote and offered the majority of the stories herself. Additionally, some of the stories were also available as audio format.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew Friedrich of the Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan of the Western District of Pennsylvania announced the successful prosecution of Fletcher. While the actual prosecution of the case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman and Trial Attorney Michael Yoon of the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). The case was investigated by the FBI and CEOS' High Technology Investigative Unit.

Finally, in addition to the court-ordered term of probation, Judge Conti ordered Fletcher to pay a $1000 fine and serve the first six months of her probation on detention in her home in Donora, Pennsylvania. Karen Fletcher AKA "Red Rose" was indicted by a Pittsburgh grand jury on September 27, 2006.

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