Covington Man Charged with Child Pornography

A 54-year-old Covington man has been charged with producing and possessing child sexual abuse materials, the Department of Justice announced.

Keith Thomas Chandler, of Covington, Louisiana, was charged in a two-count indictment for Production of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2251(a) and (e); and for Possession of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(4)(B) and (b)(2).

If convicted, Chandler faces a mandatory minimum sentence of not less than fifteen (15) years and a maximum sentence of thirty (30) years, and/or a fine of $250,000.00, or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person of the offense under Title 18, United States Code, Section 3571. In addition, Chandler faces a term of supervised release of no less than five (5) years and up to life after his release from prison.

The case against Chandler developed as a result of a complaint to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, according to filed case documents. On April 29, 2024, Homeland Security Investigations special agents, along with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, executed a federal search warrant at Chandler’s residence in Covington, Louisiana.

During the execution of the search warrant, Chandler was arrested for production of child pornography and possession of pre-pubescent child pornography. Chandler has been in custody since he was arrested on April 29, 2024.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the St Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.