A federal appeals court is upholding a 25-year sentence against a former University of Pennsylvania professor who pleaded guilty to child pornography charges, saying the fact that he may die in prison doesn't make the sentence unreasonable.
The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday against Lawrence Scott Ward, who was charged after a search of his university office turned up photos and videos of him engaged in sexual acts with two boys in Brazil.
The 70-year-old Ward sought review on grounds that the judge made him swear to tell the truth before he pleaded guilty, his fine got increased to $250,000 when he was sentenced, the severity of the sentence and other claims.
Ward's lawyer didn't return a message. Federal prison records indicate he is jailed in Indiana.
More News:
UPenn Ex-Prof's Child Pornography Sentence Upheld
Copyright AP - Associated Press
