ROCKPORT, INDIANA MAN CHARGED WITH RECEIPT AND POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

PRESS RELEASE

Timothy M. Morrison, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, announced that CHARLES D. CITTA, 60, Rockport, Indiana, was arrested today following an indictment on November 14, 2008, by a federal grand jury sitting in Indianapolis for receipt and possession of child pornography, following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The three count indictment alleges that CITTA received and possessed images of child pornography on his home computer and a data storage disk. The indictment names ten images and one video depicting sexually explicit conduct involving minors that CITTA received or possessed between January 29, 2008, and June 25, 2008.

This case emerged out of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Children marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims.

For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.projectsafechildhood.com

According to Assistant U. S. Attorney Todd S. Shellenbarger, who is prosecuting the case for the government, CITTA faces a maximum possible prison sentence of 20 years and a maximum possible fine of $250,000. An initial hearing was held today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Hussmann in Evansville, Indiana.

The indictment is an allegation only, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at trial or by guilty plea.

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