November 20, 2008

FEDERAL GRAND JURY IN DENVER FORMALIZES CHARGES AGAINST MICHAEL MORROW

DENVER – A federal grand jury in Denver late yesterday returned a two count indictment, charging Michael Morrow, age 63, of Grand Junction, with transportation of child pornography and possession of child pornography.  The indictment formalizes the charges filed on October 28th, 2008 against Morrow.

Morrow appeared in U.S. District Court in Denver today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen Tafoya, where he was advised of the Indictment. He was also arraigned during the hearing, where he entered the pro-forma plea of not guilty. On November 18, 2008, Magistrate Judge Tafoya ordered that Morrow released from custody on a $25,000 unsecured bond, under the condition that he reside in a halfway house pending a resolution of the criminal case. Morrow is represented by a Federal Public Defender.

If convicted of transportation of child pornography, Morrow faces not less than 5 years, and not more than 20 years in federal prison, and a fine of up to $250,000.  If convicted of possession of child pornography, Morrow faces not more than 10 years imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine.

The Morrow case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office.

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

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