12-01-2023 8:25pm

Former Pediatrician Sentenced to 7½ Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Scores of Images of Child Sexual Abuse Material

Anita Johnson-Brown Editor

Gary David Goulin, a former pediatrician from the Beverly Grove neighborhood of Los Angeles, has been sentenced to 90 months in federal prison for possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). United States District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong handed down the sentence and also imposed a $50,000 fine on Goulin. In addition, he will be subject to special assessments totaling $22,100. Following his release from prison, Goulin will be required to register as a sex offender and will be placed on supervised release for 15 years.

Goulin pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography. The charges stem from his possession of four DVDs in November 2021 that contained sexually explicit material involving minors under the age of 12. As part of his plea agreement, Goulin admitted to knowingly possessing an additional 57 DVDs containing CSAM. The average duration of these DVDs was three hours and 21 minutes.

In August 2021, Goulin used his cellphone to knowingly receive a video that contained child sexual abuse material. Shockingly, Goulin possessed more than 600 images that he was well aware constituted child pornography. Some of these images depicted children engaged in sadistic or masochistic conduct.

During the sentencing phase, prosecutors highlighted the magnitude of Goulin's actions: "[Goulin] received and possessed an extensive collection of child pornography materials - over 204 hours of videos and images." It is deeply troubling that while in possession of this illicit content, Goulin held a position as a pediatrician entrusted with caring for children at a hospital.

Initially charged in Los Angeles Superior Court with possession of child pornography and sexual exploitation of a child, these state-level charges were dismissed due to the federal charges brought against Goulin. A grand jury indicted him in October 2022.

As a consequence of his abhorrent actions, the Medical Board of California prohibited Goulin from practicing medicine in November 2021. This decision reflects the seriousness and gravity associated with his crimes.

The investigation into this matter was conducted jointly by the FBI and the Los Angeles Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah S. Lee from the General Crimes division skillfully prosecuted this case to seek justice for the victims involved.

By Anita Johnson-Brown

photo/istock