St. Louis County Man Indicted On Federal Child Pornography Charges

St. Louis, MO – RYAN THAYER STEPHENS, Fenton, Missouri, was indicted for his alleged transportation and possession of child pornography.  He appeared in federal court earlier today.

According to the indictment, between January and October 2013, Stephens transported a thumb drive containing child pornography from Missouri to Arizona.  The indictment states that he possessed child pornography between January 2010 and October 2013, and that he has a prior military conviction for Possession of Child Pornography. 

If convicted, transportation of child pornography carries a penalty range of 15 to 30 years in prison; each count of possession of child pornography carries a penalty range of 10 to 20 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 United States Postal Inspection Service, St Louis County Special Investigations Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Scottsdale, AZ police department. Assistant United States Attorney Erin Granger 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.