Colorado Springs Man Indicted by Federal Grand Jury for Distribution and Possession of Child Pornography

DENVER—A federal grand jury in Denver last week indicted Kevin Shea, age 42, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, on charges of distribution and possession of child pornography, United States Attorney John Walsh and FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge James Yacone announced. Shea made his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Denver yesterday, where he was advised of the charges pending against him. He is next scheduled to appear on November 19, 2012, for arraignment. The grand jury returned the indictment on November 8, 2012. Shea was released on a $20,000 unsecured bond.

According to the indictment, on September 1, 2010 and on September 2, 2010, Shea knowingly distributed child pornography that had been shipped or transported in and affecting interstate and foreign commerce by any means, including by computer. Further, on January 12, 2011, Shea allegedly possessed any computer disk and other material that contained images of child pornography that had been shipped or transported in and affecting interstate and foreign commerce by any means, including by computer.

Specifically, according to an affidavit in support of a search warrant, the defendant used a peer-to-peer software program using the name “pervymcperv.” He distributed 97 images of child pornography and three videos of child pornography.

The indictment includes an asset forfeiture allegation, which states upon conviction the defendant shall forfeit any and all of his right or interest in the images and the computer equipment used to commit his crime.

“Thanks to the hard work of the FBI, a man who was distributing child pornography to others who exploit children has been charged and will face the appropriate penalties,” said U.S. Attorney John Walsh.

Shea faces two counts of distribution of child pornography. If convicted he faces not less than five years and not more than 20 years in federal prison and up to a $250,000 fine, per count. He also faces one count of possession of child pornography. If convicted on that count, Shea faces not more than 10 years in federal prison and up to a $250,000 fine.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Shea is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Covell.

These charges in the indictment are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.