The Probation Department has to do a presentence investigation. Plus, there's no rush here-- he will be getting a long sentence, and whatever time he spends locked up before sentencing will be credited against the sentence.
Why is he getting more time than an actual rapist?
(a) I doubt an actual rapist would get less time, but (b) this was a federal trial and Congress imposed very tough sentences on kiddie porn.
Or, does 10 years really mean 3 and out?
Not in federal court. There is no parole in federal cases, so ten years means ten years, subject only to a maximum reduction of 15% for good behavior. So ten years means a minimum of eight and a half years, assuming a perfect disciplinary record in prison.
Thank you for the detailed explanation.
Some POS from my high school kidnapped and raped two women in one day, and was out in 7 years.
Delaware...