FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT

AUSA VICKIE E. LEDUC at 410-209-4885  

August 17, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                  

http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/md                                       

 

 

ELKTON MAN INDICTED ON CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES
AND TRAVELING INTERSTATE TO HAVE SEX WITH A MINOR

 

BALTIMORE, Maryland - A federal grand jury today indicted Ernie Hancock, age 48, of Elkton, Maryland, on charges of receipt and possession of child pornography, and interstate travel to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor, announced United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein.

 

The three count indictment charges Hancock with downloading to his computer hard drive images containing child pornography; possessing child pornography that has been shipped in interstate commerce, including by computer; and traveling across state lines in Maryland and Delaware for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. According to court documents, a search warrant was issued for Hancock’s computer after he was arrested and charged in the state with sex offenses related to his solicitation of a second minor for a sexual act while in a Wal-Mart department store in Elkton, Maryland.

 

Hancock faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and lifetime supervised release for receiving child pornography; 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and lifetime supervised release for possession of child pornography; and 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and lifetime supervised release for interstate travel to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. Hancock’s initial appearance has not yet been scheduled. He is currently detained.

 

An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.

 

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the investigative work performed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Elkton Police Department. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kwame J. Manley, who is prosecuting the case.

 

 

 


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