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Sheffield man sentenced to state prison for child porn

John R. Castor

A Sheffield man is headed to state prison on child pornography and will be required to register as a sex offender.

John Russell Castor, 30, was sentenced by President Judge Maureen Skerda on Friday via video conference as the courthouse is closed to the public.

“John is here to take responsibility for his actions,” Castor’s attorney, Assistant Public Defender Mike Kitay said, noting he “understands the punishment is necessary (and) welcomes the opportunity to change his life around.

“This incident does not have to define” his life, Kitay suggested, arguing his client has multiple mental health issues and grew up with a father in prison and a step-father who was physically abusive. He said his client was also bullied in school to such a degree that he dropped out.

Kitay highlighted Castor’s volunteer efforts in the community and said it was “my worry that he’ll come out a different person than he is right now.” He asked that the sentence be “long enough to account for his actions” but “not too long to change the person that he is.”

District Attorney Rob Greene disagreed with the positive characterization Kitay presented.

“I would describe Mr. Castor as a predator of children,” Greene said, “and that is obvious by the charges.”

He read the criminal information which indicated that Castor possessed over 50 images and videos of child pornography, detailing the specific conduct depicted in that media.

Greene concluded his remarks by arguing Castor “should stand committed to a state correctional institution as long as possible.”

“I understand (the) things that I’ve done,” he said, indicating he wanted to “ask forgiveness.”

Skerda then sentenced Castor to 30 months to 60 months in state prison with credit for 241 days time served, $3,175 in fines and fees and submission of a DNA sample on a count of child pornography. He is not boot camp or recidivism risk reduction incentive eligible.

She advised him he would be required to complete sexual offender treatment before he would be released and indicated he is now a Tier I sexual offender which comes with a 15 year registration period.

On a second count, Castor was sentenced to eight to 16 months incarceration to be served concurrently.

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