The darkest corners of the internet have claimed another victim: a Springfield woman has pleaded guilty to producing and distributing child pornography.
Tracy Ann Smith, 41, of Springfield, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to the charges contained in a Jan. 19, 2016, federal indictment.
According to court documents, Smith used a minor, identified as Jane Doe #1, to produce child pornography between Nov. 1, 2014, and Jan. 8, 2016. Smith also admitted to receiving and distributing child pornography during that time.
Under federal statutes, Smith is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of 50 years in federal prison without parole.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and the FBI.
This case is a stark reminder of the dangers of child exploitation and the importance of the public’s role in reporting suspicious activity. If you suspect child exploitation, report it to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or online at www.missingkids.org.
Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006, is working tirelessly to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.
Related Federal Cases
- Independence Man Pleads Guilty to Child Porn Distribution · Illinois
- Holt Man Gets 8 Years for Child Porn · Texas
- Greinke Gets 8 Years for Child Porn Distribution · Missouri
- Columbia Man Indicted in Child Porn Case · Washington
- Branson EMT and Joplin Couple Indicted for Child Sex Exploitation · Missouri
Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Category: Sex Crimes|Cybercrime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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