Local Priest Indicted On Federal Child Pornography Charges

St. Louis, MO - A federal grand jury returned an indictment late this afternoon charging FATHER WILLIAM F. VATTEROTT, of St. Louis, Missouri, with possession of child pornography between June 2010 and June 2011.  He is expected to appear in federal court to answer the indictment later in the week or early next week.

U.S. Attorney Richard Callahan noted that the St. Louis Archdiocese cooperated with the investigation.

If convicted, this charge carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000.  In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

This case was investigated by the Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and an investigator for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Rob Livergood is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.

As is always the case,  charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt.  Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.