COLUMBIA, IL – Dan Stephen Daniels, 49, of Columbia, Illinois, is facing a potential lifetime behind bars after being arraigned on federal charges of receiving and possessing horrific child pornography. The indictment, unsealed February 20, 2015, alleges Daniels knowingly engaged in the distribution and storage of images depicting the sexual abuse of children.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois, led by Stephen R. Wigginton, Daniels is charged with two counts. Count 1 details the receipt of two images of child pornography on or around October 12, 2014 – one depicting a prepubescent male engaged in sexual intercourse with an adult female, and another showing a prepubescent female in a lascivious display. Count 2 alleges that, on or about October 17, 2014, Daniels knowingly possessed a desktop computer containing images of child pornography involving minors who had not attained 12 years of age.
Following the arraignment, a detention hearing resulted in Daniels being ordered held without bond. Prosecutors argued for his continued detention, citing the severity of the alleged crimes and the potential danger to children. The details revealed in court paint a disturbing picture of exploitation, and the federal government is taking a hard line.
If convicted on the charge of Receipt of Child Pornography, Daniels faces a minimum sentence of five years, but could be sentenced to up to twenty years in federal prison. He also faces a potential fine of up to $250,000 and a term of supervised release ranging from five years to life. Possession of Prepubescent Child Pornography carries a maximum sentence of twenty years, a $250,000 fine, and a similar supervised release term.
This case is part of “Project Safe Childhood,” a nationwide Department of Justice initiative launched in 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. The project, spearheaded by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, aims to locate, apprehend, and prosecute offenders while rescuing victims. More information on Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.usdoj.gov/psc.
The investigation was conducted by the Columbia Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Springfield Child Exploitation Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Angela Scott is assigned to the case. A trial date is currently scheduled for April 6, 2015. As with all federal indictments, Daniels is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Key Facts
- State: Illinois
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes|Cybercrime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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