Parkersburg man pleads guilty to attempted production and possession of child pornography

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg man pleaded guilty today to federal child pornography crimes, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jeremy L. Kelley, 39, entered his guilty plea in federal court in Charleston to attempted production of child pornography videos and images and possession of child pornography.

Kelley admitted that on September 6, 2014, he intentionally placed a Motorola cellphone in a vent located above a shower in a bathroom. Kelley further admitted that he placed the cellphone in the vent so that he could secretly record a minor in the shower. Law enforcement located a removable media device at Kelley’s Parkersburg residence in November 2015, and an analysis of that device revealed over 600 images of child pornography. More than 600 images of child pornography were also located on a Nexus cellphone and a computer used by Kelley at his place of employment in Pleasants County, located in the Northern District of West Virginia. Kelley also admitted to sharing some of the child pornography over the Internet. Kelley’s prosecution was the result of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies working together in both the Northern and Southern Districts of West Virginia.

“This joint investigation demonstrates the commitment across law enforcement to bringing a child predator to justice,” said Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. “Without this collaboration, this successful prosecution would not be possible.”

Kelley faces a mandatory prison sentence of 15 years and a maximum fine of $500,000 when he is sentenced on August 25, 2016. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Kelley agreed to pay restitution to the victims and register as a sex offender. Following his release from prison, Kelley will be placed on supervised release for 30 years.    

The investigation was conducted by DHS Homeland Security Investigations, the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Parkersburg Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Lisa G. Johnston and Sarah W. Montoro are in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.

This case is being brought as part of an ongoing initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Southern District of West Virginia.

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