Krantz sentenced in child porn case

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - A Terre Haute man arrested on child pornography and abuse charges was sentenced to more than a decade in prison Wednesday.

Police first arrested Chauncey Krantz in January 2012, on allegations he sent explicit photos of a girl he said was his daughter to people in several states, including Illinois, Ohio and Texas. The child would have been between six and nine years of age at the time the photos were taken, and Krantz said he believes the girl is his daughter.

Investigators also reported finding child pornography on Krantz’s cell phone.

In December 2012, Krantz pleaded guilty to felony charges of Child Molestation, Child Exploitation and Possession of Child Pornography as part of a plea agreement approved by the victim’s family. 

On Wednesday, prosecutors and Krantz’s defense argued his sentence.

Prosecutors argued that Krantz had exploited a position of trust with the victim, that he had not shows remorse for the crime and that he had caused long-term suffering for the victim. A mental health counselor who works with the victim testified that the child is still fearful, cannot trust others, cannot sleep alone and perceives herself as “bad.”

Krantz’ defense argued for a lighter sentence and suggested that Krantz suffers from a mental illness. Krantz himself testified that he had been a victim of sexual abuse several times as a child. Krantz also apologized to the victim who was not present in court.

“I’m very sorry … very sorry for all I’ve done that was wrong,” Krantz said. “I wish the person could be here to know how sorry I am.”

In the end, Judge Michael Lewis sentenced Krantz to a total of 16 years in prison, with credit for time already served. He also ordered that, when released, Krantz be forbidden from living within one mile of the victim or having contact with anyone under 16 years of age.

Krantz said he plans to appeal the sentence.