Andrew J. Smith, Child Pornography Charges, Louisiana 2019

Kenner resident Andrew J. Smith, 22, is facing serious allegations after being indicted on child pornography charges.

A federal grand jury in New Orleans handed down the indictment on August 15, 2019, charging Smith with Possession of Child Pornography.

Special Agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) arrested Smith on August 19, 2019. He subsequently appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dana M. Douglas, who detained him pending a detention hearing on August 20, 2019.

According to the indictment, Smith knowingly possessed pre-pubescent images and videos depicting the sexual victimization of children, which were discovered on his LG phone.

U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser emphasized that the indictment is merely a charge, and Smith's guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

If convicted, Smith faces a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison, followed by up to a life term of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, the Kenner Police Department, and Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office in investigating this matter.

The prosecution of this case is being handled by Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Supervisor of the Financial Crimes Unit, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/pr/kenner-resident-indicted-child-pornography-charges