UNITED STATES ATTORNEY JOYCE WHITE VANCE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA
	FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE			CONTACT: STACY CRANE
	JULY 1, 2009			PHONE: (205) 244-2001
	www.usdoj.gov/usao/aln			FAX: (205) 244-2171

                                           ANNISTON MAN INDICTED ON CHILD PORN CHARGES

          BIRMINGHAM, AL - United States Attorney Joyce White Vance of the Northern District of Alabama and Mike Holt, Special Agent in Charge, Immigration & Customs Enforcement announced today that JAMES A. FORREST has been indicted by a federal grand jury for possession, receipt, and transportation of child pornography.

            FORREST, 37, of Anniston, AL was charged in a four-count indictment filed today at U. S. District Court in Birmingham.

            Counts 1and 2 charge that on June 12, 2008, Forrest possessed child pornography on a computer hard drive and two compact discs.  Count 3 charges that on June 26, 2008, he received child pornography via the internet.  Count 4 charges that on June 26, 2008 he transported child pornography using a computer in interstate commerce.

            The maximum sentence for possession of child pornography is 10 years.  The charges of receipt and transportation of child pornography both carry mandatory minimum sentences of 5 years and maximum sentences of 20 years.  All charges are subject to a maximum fine of $250,000.  Conviction on these charges requires that Forrest register as a sex offender.

            Special Agents of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Bureau, the Anniston Police Department and Alabama Bureau of Investigation worked together in the investigation of this case.  Assistant United States Attorney Laura D. Hodge is prosecuting this case.

            Members of the public are reminded that the indictment contains only charges.  A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove a defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

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