Benjamin Levin gets 3 years on child porn charges

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(Update) Three years in jail. That was the sentence handed down today to Ontario’s former Deputy Education Minister Benjamin Levin – who pleaded guilty on child pornography charges. For five years after his jail term, the 63 year old can’t be alone with kids or go online, unless supervised by an adult who knows his crimes. Prosecutor Allison Dellandrea was pleased “It was apparent from her honour’s reasons that she carefully considered everything in this case and arrived at what we feel to be a just result.”

Levin may not have acted out his fantasies, but the judge said he became a deviant online mentor. He encouraged others to disregard any guilt and hesitation at violating children. She said, “Mr Levin knew that the person he was chatting with might be real, and that an actual, eight-year-old girl could be repeatedly sexually assaulted at his direction. He didn’t care. ”

Even more disturbing, said the judge, Levin had sadistic impulses.

Benjamin Levin was one of the leading experts on childhood education and that makes him particularly blameworthy according to the judge. She said that he knew the children on the images he possessed weren’t getting the best start in life. He knew they were being hurt, and yet he continued to indulge his criminal interests.

Toronto Police Detective Constable Janelle Blackadar was one of three undercover officers who started chatting with Levin online, pretending to share his interests. She hopes this case sends a message. “I hope everbody knows we will stop at nothing to make sure they’re arrested and victims are saved. That’s what we do.”

Levin is considered a low risk to reoffend, and many friends and family members wrote letters to say he still has their support.