FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                               CONTACT:  DAVILYN BRACKIN
MONDAY, APRIL 30, 2007                                                                       PHONE: (409) 839-2538
WWW.USDOJ.GOV/USAO/TXE                                                                  CELL: (409) 553-9881
                                                                                                    

LUFKIN MAN GUILTY OF POSSESSING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

            TYLER, TX – United States Attorney Matthew D. Orwig announced today that a 30-year-old Lufkin man has pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography in the Eastern District of Texas.

JERRY LYNN METTLEN pleaded guilty to possession of material involving the sexual exploitation of minors today before United States Magistrate John Love. 

According to court documents, on September 28, 2006, law enforcement officers executed a federal search warrant at Mettlen’s residence during which a personal computer was seized.  A forensic analysis of the computer revealed approximately 127 visual depictions involving minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC).  In February 2006, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protest children from online exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorneys Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims.  For information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.

Mettlen faces up to ten years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000 at sentencing.  A sentencing date has not been set.  

This case is being investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Longview Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gregg A. Marchessault.

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