Aiken Man Charged with Production of Child Pornography

COLUMBIA, SC—United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that David Lee Sheffield, age 47, of Aiken, South Carolina, was charged in a three-count indictment with production, distribution, and possession of child pornography, violations of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2251(a), 2252A(a)(1) and 2252A(a)(5)(B). The maximum penalty David Lee Sheffield could receive on the production charge is at least 10 years’ imprisonment and up to 20 years. On the distribution charge, he faces five to 20 years’ imprisonment. On the possession count, he faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment. Each count also carries a fine of up to $250,000.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Sheffield. Anyone with knowledge of his current location should contact the Columbia, South Carolina office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 803-551-4200. Sheffield was last seen in the Aiken, South Carolina area in late October 2010. He is a 47-year-old white male, approximately 5 feet 11 inches in height, weighs 195 pounds, wears glasses, and is a heavy smoker. He may be working as a skilled repairman for computers, televisions, vacuum cleaners, and other electronic devices. He was last seen driving a gray 1985 Oldsmobile two-door coupe with South Carolina license number AGU 931.

This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Dean A. Eichelberger of the Columbia office for prosecution.