Bay Area Parolee in KQED Film Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography, Gun Charges

A Bay Area man who was released on parole in 2016 amid major changes to how the state prison system handled so-called “lifer” incarcerated persons has pleaded guilty to federal charges of possessing child pornography and a handgun and ammunition.

Marvin Lee Mutch was the central subject of a KQED documentary in 2017: The Trials of Marvin Mutch. The film and podcast investigated his 1975 conviction for the murder of a 13-year-old Cassie Riley in Union City, his decades-long legal fight arguing innocence and his eventual parole amid state prison reforms.

Mutch, an 18-year-old security guard at the time, said law enforcement targeted him for the murder because he was a delinquent kid who had spent time in foster care. His defense attorney argued at trial that Mutch had never met or spoken to Riley. Her mostly naked body was discovered by her father in a creek behind a local park, and the coroner later determined she died from drowning and strangulation.

Mutch was re-arrested last May after Google reported to law enforcement that his computer had accessed child sexual abuse material, according to federal court filings. A search by law enforcement of his Vallejo home recovered hundreds of media files as well as a handgun and ammunition, which Mutch was prohibited from possessing.

He pleaded guilty Friday to possessing child pornography and being a felon in possession of a handgun. He faces a maximum 35-year prison term. Sentencing is set for Aug. 28.