Poplar Bluff Man Arrested on Federal Child Pornography Charges

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO—Jeffrey D. Shelton, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, was charged in a federal indictment today on charges of production and possession of child pornography.

Count one of the indictment charges that on October 20, 2012, in Ripley County, Missouri, Shelton used a cellular telephone in an attempt to employ, use, persuade, induce, entice, and coerce a minor female to engage in sexually explicit conduct; specifically, lascivious displays of the child’s genitals.

Count two charges that on October 24, 2012, in Butler County, Missouri, Shelton employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a minor female to engage in sexually explicit conduct, which was captured on a cellular phone.

Finally, count three charges that on October 24, 2012, in Butler County, Missouri, Shelton possessed images of child pornography on a laptop computer.

Under federal law, if convicted, the attempted production and production of child pornography charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000, while the possession charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000. In determining the actual sentences, a ;udge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

This case was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Poplar Bluff Police Department, the Ripley and Butler County Sheriff’s Departments, the Dexter Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The charges set forth in an Indictment are merely accusations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.