Press Release
Middletown Man Charged Federally With Receipt And Possession Of Child Pornography
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Pennsylvania
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced a Criminal Information has been filed in United States District Court in Harrisburg charging Steven Alan Shepherd, age 30, of Middletown, with receipt and possession of child pornography.
According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, as a result of a search of Shepherd’s home on May 1, 2014 thousands of images of child pornography were discovered and seized. Shepherd allegedly received the material via a computer in 2010.
The Criminal Information also seeks forfeiture of computer equipment and accessories involved or used in connection with the offense.
The government also filed a plea agreement which is subject to approval by the court. The offense carries a mandatory minimum of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Pennsylvania State Police and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daryl F. Bloom.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilty is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant’s educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
Updated April 17, 2015
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