Paul Hovorka, Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography, South Dakota 2020

Paul Hovorka, a 24-year-old man from Tyndall, South Dakota, has been accused of receiving and distributing child pornography. The charges were announced by United States Attorney Ron Parsons.

The federal grand jury indicted Hovorka on February 4, 2020, for Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on February 12, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

According to the Indictment, Hovorka knowingly received and attempted to receive child pornography between June 15, 2019, and November 21, 2019. The child pornography was mailed, shipped, and transported in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce by any means, including by computer.

The maximum penalty for conviction is up to 20 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, life years of supervised release, and up to $5,100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.

Hovorka was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The case highlights the importance of protecting children from exploitation and abuse. Law enforcement agencies and prosecutors are working tirelessly to bring perpetrators to justice and ensure that those who harm children are held accountable.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/tyndall-man-charged-receipt-and-distribution-child-pornography