Operation Predator is a comprehensive initiative designed to protect young people from child pornographers, alien smugglers, human traffickers, and other predatory criminals.
Posted on 11/20/2005 8:52:50 AM PST by Calpernia
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - A 20-year-old Kentucky man was indicted today on child pornography charges as a result of an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
David L. Huber, United States Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky, announced today that a federal grand jury in Bowling Green returned an indictment charging Matthew Steward, 20, of 224 Meadows Road, Morganfield, Ky., in Union County, with receiving, distributing, and possessing child pornography.
The indictment alleges that on or about March 17, 2005, Steward knowingly distributed child pornography. Additionally, the indictment alleges that on or about May 20, 2005, Steward knowingly received and possessed child pornography. Under federal law, child pornography includes any photograph, film, video, picture, computer or computer-generated image or picture of sexually explicit conduct, or any other visual depiction, the production of which involves the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
If convicted, Steward faces a minimum sentence of 5 years' imprisonment and maximum penalties of 50 years' imprisonment and a $750,000 fine.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jo E. Lawless. Steward is scheduled to appear for arraignment before the United States Magistrate Judge on November 22, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. in Owensboro, Kentucky. An indictment is an accusation only and a person is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case falls under ICE's nationwide initiative known as Operation Predator. Operation Predator protects our children from sexual predators, including those who travel across continents to have sex with minors. Internet child pornographers and criminal alien sex offenders and child traffickers are also a priority for ICE. Since the initiative was launched in July of 2003, there have been more than 6,400 individuals arrested nationwide.
-- ICE --
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