DOJ sentences former UGA professor to more than 7 years in prison on child porn charges

ATHENS, Ga. — A former University of Georgia professor has been ordered to spend the majority of the next decade in prison.

James Edward Monogan, 39, previously pleaded guilty to having hundreds of images of child pornography.

Monogan has now been sentenced to 90 months in prison, 10 years of supervised release and will have to pay more than $40,000 in fines. He will also have to register as a sex offender.

[RELATED: UGA professor resigns amid Homeland Security investigation]

“Viewing child pornography is a direct assault against the very children who are being exploited on film. We will prosecute individuals engaging in this deviant criminal behavior,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter Leary.

According to the plea agreement, Homeland Security Investigation’s Atlanta office was alerted in 2019 to two users on the instant messaging app KIK had sent another user child pornography. Both accounts were identified as belonging to Monogan.

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After a search of his home and his UGA office, investigators found 452 pictures and eight videos showing child pornography on his UGA laptop. 119 more images were found on his cell phone.

“This investigation demonstrates that no matter who you are, you will be held accountable for preying on children,” said GBI Director Vic Reynolds.

Monogan was a political science professor in the School of International and Public Affairs.

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