ForbiddenVideos.com Operators Convicted on Obscenity Charges

DALLAS — The operators of ForbiddenVideos.com on Monday were convicted by a federal jury on obscenity and conspiracy charges.

The Justice Department accused Clarence Thomas "Tom" Gartman and Brent Alan McDowell of running a website that advertised and distributed videos and streaming media that included scenes of rape, sexual torture, and urination and defacation in conjunction with sex acts.

Gartman was convicted in U.S. District Court in Dallas on one count of conspiracy to distribute obscene materials and one count of mailing obscene materials and aiding and abetting. McDowell, a former Houston cop, was convicted of one count of mailing obscene matter and aiding and abetting.

Both defendants, who began their Internet operation in 1998, were charged in an indictment returned by a Dallas grand jury in May 2004.

A third defendant, Lou Anthony Santilena, was acquitted of all charges.

The probe into the ForbiddenVideos.com case was a multiagency investigation. The FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Dallas Police Department worked together to provide evidence for the indictments and prosecution, which was handled by the Justice Department’s Obscenity Prosecution Task Force.

The task force was established last year by the Justice Department’s Criminal Division to focus on the prosecution of adult obscenity nationwide.

Gartman, 35, could face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $500,000 fine. McDowell, 37, faces a possible maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The pair currently live in Las Vegas and remain on bond until sentencing, which is scheduled on June 15.

ForbiddenVideos.com was identified during a probe into another case involving Garry Layne Ragsdale and wife Tamara Michelle Ragsdale, who were convicted three years ago by a federal jury.

That case was appealed to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, where the convictions were upheld. Later, the couple appealed its case to the U.S. Supreme Court. Justices declined to hear the Ragsdales’ case in February.

“With these convictions, six defendants in three different cases have been convicted … in recent months of distributing obscene material,” U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper said in a statement.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Federal Appeals Court Vacates FTC 'Click to Cancel' Rule Pending Review

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Tuesday vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, pending further review.

NYC Adult Stores Lose Challenge to Zoning Law, May Face Relocation

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit on Tuesday upheld a lower court’s decision to allow enforcement of a 2001 zoning law aimed at forcing adult retail stores out of most parts of New York City.

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

Only Tax Deductions Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Adult industry accounting firm Only Tax Deductions has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Adult Empire Launches 'Conversations' Podcast Series

Adult Empire has launched a new official podcast series hosted by Nicole Chappelle and Charlie.

Sex Work CEO Launches 'Teams Plan' for AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Teams Plan for its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Show More