East Texas

By CASEY KNAUPP
Staff Writer

Two East Texas men were sentenced Tuesday for federal crimes, including a Wills Point man who possessed child pornography and the former postmaster in Alto who stole nearly $27,000 in funds and stamps.

William James Oliver, 22, Wills Point, was sentenced to eight years in prison after he pleaded guilty to possessing material involving the sexual exploitation of minors.

On March 28, 2007, law enforcement officials seized Oliver's computer while searching his residence and discovered 55 digital images and 35 video clips containing the illegal material. The defendant agreed to forfeit a personal computer and 10 CDs or DVDs as part of his plea agreement.

U.S. District Judge Michael Schneider in Tyler sentenced Oliver to the low end of the sentencing guideline range, which was eight to 10 years in prison. Schneider also ordered that Oliver undergo sex offender treatment and substance abuse treatment while in prison. Once released, he will have to register as a sex offender, have no unsupervised contact with children and serve five years of supervised release.

U.S. Public Defender Ken Hawk said no person should be judged by the worst thing they've ever done. He said there was more to Oliver, who is not the type of person whose conduct would progress. Hawk said his client has had a substance abuse problem and has no prior criminal history.

Oliver said he had remorse for what he did, which he understood was wrong. He asked the judge to go beneath the guideline range and sentence him to less than eight years.

"I'm so ashamed to be here in this orange jumpsuit with shackles on my legs," he said. "Show mercy on me."

Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Baldwin said the production of child pornography was very disturbing, as was the desire to possess and view it. He said it is tragic for the children who are abused and asked the judge to sentence Oliver to eight years.

POST OFFICE THEFT

The former postmaster at the Alto post office was sentenced to one year of probation for stealing nearly $27,000 in money and stamps.

Herbert Michael Dominguez pleaded guilty, admitting that between June 1, 2002, and Oct. 19, 2005, in Cherokee County, he converted to his own use money and property which came under his control through his employment.

F.R. "Buck" Files Jr., who represented the defendant with Brett Harrison, said his client had already paid the $26,985 in restitution.

Files said Dominguez took the funds from the post office with the intent to pay it back, but was unable to do so before he was caught. He said his client was a good person who had never been in trouble before.

"I am deeply sorry to be in this position," Dominguez told Schneider. He apologized for the embarrassment he caused the postal service and his family.

Schneider told the defendant he had a very impressive background and that he had received several letters written on his behalf. He followed the plea agreement between defense attorneys and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Jackson and sentenced the man to probation.