Upshur County man admits to child pornography charge

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Buckhannon, West Virginia, man has admitted to a child pornography charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

James Andrew Smith, age 57, pled guilty today to one count of “Possession of Child Pornography.” Smith, having previously been convicted of possession of child pornography, admitted to having computer disks and other materials containing child pornography in his possession. The crime occurred in November 2015 in Upshur County.

Smith is facing up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police investigated. 
 
U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert presided.