CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that a 60-year-old Mercer County man was indicted on July 9 by a federal grand jury sitting in Beckley for a child pornography offense. Johnny Richard Rowe, of Bluewell, W.Va., was charged with possession of child pornography.  The single-count indictment alleges that on June 19, 2013, Rowe possessed hundreds of images and videos of child pornography on his computer. 

Rowe faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.

The West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Johnston is in charge of the prosecution. 

The indictment was brought as part of U.S. Attorney Goodwin’s ongoing initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Southern District of West Virginia.

Note: The charge contained in the indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Click here to view a copy of the indictment