Peter Herz, a 61-year old Westminster resident, pleaded guilty to a possession of child pornography charge in February. This offense is among many that are eligible for lifetime sex-offender registration. Before his arrest and incarceration, Herz reportedly had a job as a pianist and musical director for Laguna Beach’s “Pageant of the Masters.” Sources say he was also an accompanist at Cal State Fullerton’s Theater Department.
Herz was targeted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) “Operation Predator,” an initiative designed to protect children from sexual predators and to identify and rescue victims of child exploitation.
While Herz was out on bond and waiting for trial, he allegedly obtained new electronic devices and obtained new images of child pornography on them. In total, Herz was reportedly in possession of more than half a million images and roughly 400 videos of child pornography.
On June 12, U.S. District Judge Cormac J. Carney sentenced Herz to serve 8 years in federal prison for his crimes. After he serves his prison sentence, Herz will remain on supervised release for the remainder of his life. He will also be required to pay approximately $7,500 in restitution to one of the victims.
If you or a loved one is charged with possession of child pornography, contact Orange County criminal defense attorney Staycie R. Sena for a consultation at 949-477-8088.