Cabot Man Has Initial Appearance in Federal Court on Child Pornography Charges
| U.S. Attorney’s Office August 26, 2013 |
LITTLE ROCK—Christopher R. Thyer, Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, and Randall C. Coleman, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Little Rock Field Office, announced that Matthew Hiner, age 25, of Cabot, made his initial appearance today in federal court in front of United States Magistrate Judge H. David Young on allegations of possession of child pornography, distribution of child pornography, and production of child pornography. Hiner was arrested on a criminal complaint on Friday, August 23, 2013. He continues to be detained following his initial appearance today.
“This office is deeply committed to the prosecution of those who destroy the innocence of children for their own aberrant gratification,” stated Thyer. “We are fortunate to have well-trained investigators bring the evidence necessary to make our cases. This evidence allows our dedicated team of Assistant United States Attorneys to prosecute these difficult cases and imprison those who threaten the safety and security of our children.”
“Our Denied Innocence Task Force is a coalition of federal, state, and local officers who are dedicated to stopping those who prey on children,” stated Coleman. “We will continue to work together to proactively investigate child sexual predators including producers and distributors of child pornography.”
The criminal complaint alleges that on August 22, 2013, an undercover (UC) officer from the FBI/MPD Child Exploitation Task Force, operating out of a satellite office in Washington, D.C., was online in a public chat room and began chatting with username “daddylooking4fam.” Username daddylooking4fam posted he was "single, 25 years old, active bi, and living in the United States.”
The UC engaged in a private chat conversation with daddylooking4fam. Daddylooking4fam told the UC that he was “looking for a like-minded family to merge with and raise a very loving and active family with.” Daddylooking4fam then asked the UC to chat on a private Yahoo! chat. During the subsequent chat with the UC, the user utilized the screen name “Matthew Hiner.” Hiner sent the UC photographs of himself engaging in sexually explicit conduct with a minor.
Agents with the FBI Office in Little Rock, Arkansas determined Matthew Hiner’s identity. Hiner was located and arrested on the criminal complaint.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kristin Bryant.
The charges set forth in a complaint are merely allegations. A federal grand jury will decide whether to indict on these charges. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.