Panama City Man Indicted on Child Exploitation Charges

PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – A federal Grand Jury returned an indictment last week charging Daniel Freiwald (29), an active duty Air Force member stationed at Tyndall Air Force Base, with 3 counts of child exploitation offenses.  The indictment was announced by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

Counts One and Two of the Indictment allege that between December 7, 2012, and January 23, 2013, Freiwald knowingly and intentionally distributed and received images and videos of child pornography. Count Three alleges that during that same time frame, Freiwald knowingly possessed child pornography. If convicted of counts one and two of his indictment, Freiwald faces a sentence of a mandatory five (5) years to a maximum of twenty (20) years in prison. If convicted on count three of his indictment, Freiwald faces a term of imprisonment of not more than ten (10) years. Additionally, as to each count, Freiwald faces the imposition of a fine of up to $250,000, not less than five (5) years and up to a lifetime term of supervised release, and a $100 special monetary assessment. 

Freiwald appeared for his initial appearance and arraignment in United States District Court in Panama City, Florida. Freiwald pled not guilty to the charges and his trial was scheduled for September 23, 2013 before United States District Judge Richard Smoak.

The Indictment results from an investigation by agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Pensacola Police Department, and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kathryn Risinger.

An Indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt.  All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.