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Former police officer pleads guilty to child porn, sentenced to 13 years behind bars

Posted at 11:12 PM, Jan 06, 2012
and last updated 2012-01-06 23:12:57-05

HENRICO COUNTY, VA (WTVR) - Allen Hoffman, a former Henrico police officer, pleaded guilty Wednesday to felony charges of posession and production of child pornography.

A judge sentenced Hoffman to 10 years, with 7 years suspended, for the production charge and 20 years, with 10 years suspended, fopr possession of child pornography.

Hoffman could serve up to 13 years for his crimes.

Hoffman was arrested in August of 2011, at his home in Bedford County, but the allegations that led to his arrest were made in May. He was also suspended from service as a Henrico County police officer at that time.

Prosecutors say Hoffman posed as a photographer on Craigslist, offering to help underage girls with their modeling portfolios.

Two of the photos obtained from Hoffman's digital camera showed two girls, under the age of 18,  posing in sexually explicit positions. According to proscutors, the pictures were taken in a Henrico County hotel.

Hoffman's lawyer, Jeffrey Oppleman, tells CBS 6 that his client is remoresful.

" He wanted to accept this plea agreement so he would spare everyone from coming to court. This was well-known by, I think the Attorney General's office as well because he [Hoffman] cooperated from day one," said Oppleman.

Oppleman says, at this time, it's unkown if Hoffman will serve out his thirteen year sentence in state, or in another facility because his status as a former police officer puts him in danger.

Once Hoffman's sentence is complete, he will have to register as a sex offender.