CLARKSBURG, WV—A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging Joshua Hood, 33, of Clarksburg, with production and distribution of child pornography, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

In August 2015, Hood allegedly produced and distributed images depicting a minor engaged in explicit conduct. Hood is charged with one count of “Distribution of Child Pornography” for which he faces between five and twenty years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. He is further charged with one count of “Production of Child Pornography by a Guardian” for which he faces between 15 and 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is leading the inquiry.

An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.