A Kelso, Washington man was arrested and charged with production, distribution and possession of child pornography after law enforcement in New Zealand contacted ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) about child pornography provided online to an undercover officer.  JONATHAN SCOTT LEE, 37, made his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Tacoma yesterday.  If convicted, LEE faces a mandatory minimum 15 years in prison.

            According to records filed in the case, after receiving the information from New Zealand, Homeland Security Agents quickly worked to trace the internet protocol address from which the pictures had been distributed.  Agents were able to trace the address to a home in Kelso where LEE resided.  Agents executing a search warrant at the house showed a sanitized version of one of the explicit photos to a resident of the home.  The resident recognized the child pictured in the photo.  LEE arrived at the home and ultimately was placed under arrest.  A review of other digital evidence at the home revealed additional child pornography.

            The charges contained in the complaint are only allegations.  A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

            The case is being investigated by ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Marci Ellsworth.  Ms. Ellsworth is an attorney with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), specially designated to prosecute cases in federal court.

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