HEATH POWERS INDICTED FOR PRODUCTION, DISTRIBUTION, and POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging Heath Powers, 33 years old of Plattsburgh, with 11 counts of production of child pornography, 1 count of distribution of child pornography, and 1 count of possession of child pornography announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent-in-Charge Andrew W. Vale.

If the defendant is convicted, he faces at least 15 years and up to 30 years in prison on each production of child pornography charge; at least 5 years and up to 20 years in prison on the distribution of child pornography charge; and up to 20 years of prison on the possession of child pornography charge. If convicted, he also faces for each count a fine of up to $250,000, a lifetime term of supervised release and registration as a sex offender.

The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Katherine Kopita.

The charges in the indictment are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

If anyone has information regarding this matter, please contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation at telephone number 1-800-CALL-FBI.