D Walden 
A Kings Mountain man who downloaded hundreds of child pornography images will serve a little more than 11 years in prison and a lifetime on the sex offender registry.
The sentence was handed down in federal court on Thursday.
Quinlan Drake Scism Jr., 21, was sentenced to a minimum of 11 years and three months in federal prison and to sign onto the sex offender registry upon release. He was also ordered to pay $35,000 in restitution to child pornography victims and a $5,000 special assessment.
On a separate accusation, the Cleveland County man was banned from Crowders Mountain State Park.
Disturbing admissions
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI became aware that Scism was using a file sharing program on the dark web to receive child pornography.
On Sept. 23, 2019, the FBI executed a search warrant at Scism’s residence, seizing a thumb drive and a computer. The following day, while he was being interviewed at the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office, Scism acknowledged that he viewed and downloaded child pornography from the internet and admitted to attempting to conceal his online activity on his cell phone when he learned about the FBI’s investigation.
According to court records, a forensic examination of Scism’s seized devices revealed that he had 959 images and 48 videos of child pornography, some of which depicted sadistic and masochistic acts against prepubescent children.
Questionable behavior at park
During the time law enforcement was conducting the child pornography investigation into Scism, the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by park rangers with Crowders Mountain State Park concerning unusual activity and behavior allegedly exhibited by Scism while he was at the park.
Court records show that, on at least two occasions, Scism was observed hiding in or leaving the women’s restrooms at the park. Due to his behavior, Crowders Mountain State Park sent a letter to Scism prohibiting him from entering the park.
On Sept. 11, 2020, Scism pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography. He is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
Pending sexual assault charges
During questioning surrounding the child pornography in 2019, Scism allegedly confessed to sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl when he was 16. Initially held on child pornography charges, Scism was later indicted on two counts of first-degree sex offense.
Those cases are still pending, according to Cleveland County court documents.
