SENTENCING HELD FOR HELENA MAN CHARGED WITH CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

BIRMINGHAM, AL - A sentencing hearing was held today for DAVID ROBERT SHELTON, 43, of Helena, in U.S. District Court. United States District Court Judge U.W. Clemon sentenced SHELTON to 210 months in prison for one count of possession of child pornography, and twelve counts of receipt of child pornography. SHELTON has remained in police custody since his arrest.

"Child pornography is not a victimless crime," said U.S. Attorney Alice H. Martin. "Each photo or video clip represents an assault on the innocence of a living child, and memorializes unspeakable sexual abuse and exploitation. We are committed to protecting our children from these sexual predators."

SHELTON was indicted in October 2006 after the Hoover Police Department received a complaint from a local film developing store. The subsequent investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation revealed child pornography in possession of SHELTON dating back to 11/22/2003. SHELTON plead guilty to the charges in January 2007. As a part of the plea agreement, SHELTON waives his right to appeal the imposed sentence.

"We want thank the employee of our local business for bringing this to our attention," said Police Chief Nick Derzis, Hoover Police Department. "We take all child pornography cases very seriously. We know these are not victimless crimes, and we are happy to see that this predator will be in the penitentiary for over 17 years."

"Child pornography is not protected speech, it’s child abuse," stated Carmen S. Adams, Special Agent in Charge, Birmingham Field Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation. "Distribution and/or receipt of images of child pornography perpetuates the abuse of children and deserves punishment."

This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative and our continuing efforts to target individuals who possess and distribute child pornography. In February 2006, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices nationwide, Project Safe Childhood 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 the national Project Safe Childhood initiative, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.

Assistant United States Attorney Vince Carroll prosecuted this case on behalf of the U.S. Government.