David C. Hogue Indicted on Child Porn Charges, Obstruction

David C. Hogue, 30, of Granite City, Illinois, is back in the crosshairs of federal prosecutors—this time for allegedly receiving child pornography and trying to wipe evidence while already under indictment. The original charge, filed in September 2016, accused Hogue of knowingly receiving a video file containing child pornography. But now, the case has taken a darker turn.

After being released on pretrial bond by the U.S. District Court on March 8, 2017, Hogue allegedly committed additional crimes that directly violated the conditions of his release. A superseding indictment, filed February 21, 2018, adds two explosive counts: a second charge of receiving child pornography and a third charge of attempting to destroy digital evidence. According to prosecutors, Hogue tried to erase images, videos, and files from his computer to obstruct the FBI’s ongoing investigation.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. Each count of receiving child pornography carries a mandatory minimum of five years in federal prison, with a maximum of 20 years. That’s followed by at least five years—and potentially a lifetime—of supervised release, plus a $250,000 fine. The destruction of records charge alone brings up to 20 years behind bars, three years of supervised release, and another $250,000 fine.

And there’s more punishment on the table: Hogue faces up to ten additional years in prison for committing these offenses while already on pretrial release in an active federal case. Federal judges take bond violations seriously—especially when the crimes involve child exploitation and evidence tampering.

This case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Hoell. Hogue remains presumed innocent under federal law until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. But the evidence, if substantiated, paints a damning picture of a defendant who allegedly exploited the system while continuing to commit heinous crimes.

The Southern District of Illinois, led by U.S. Attorney Donald S. Boyce, continues to push forward on aggressive prosecution. As digital crimes evolve, so does the federal response—this case a stark reminder that bond isn’t a free pass, especially when children are involved.