Charleston Man Indicted by a Federal Grand Jury on Child Pornography Charges
| U.S. Attorney’s Office November 06, 2013 |
CHARLESTON, WV—A Charleston man was indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Charleston on November 5 for child pornography offenses, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Stephen Wayne Laton, Jr., 40, was charged with production of child pornography and possession of child pornography. The two-count indictment alleges that in or around June 2010, Laton, Jr. knowingly attempted to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce a minor to engage in sexual activity. The indictment also alleges that on February 6, 2013, Laton, Jr. possessed images and videos of child pornography on his personal computer.
Laton faces up to 50 years in prison, if convicted.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the West Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada is in charge of the prosecution.
The indictment was brought as part of U.S. Attorney Goodwin’s ongoing initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Southern District of West Virginia.
The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.