Lake Charles man accused of child pornography distribution

A Lake Charles man is accused of child pornography distribution, according to a news release from Louisiana State Police, Troop D.

Authorities said on Thursday, investigators with U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations executed a search warrant at the residence of 32-year-old Shannon Ray Smithers.

Authorities said the warrant was the result of an ongoing Operation Child Watch investigation into the distribution of child pornography over the Internet.

Troopers said while at the residence, investigators seized computers and electronic devices believed to have been used to download and distribute child pornography.

"During questioning, Smithers admitted to investigators that he downloaded illegal child pornography images and that he would trade child pornography images with other unknown individuals. Smithers stated that he viewed and traded child pornography images of young females between the ages of 10 and fifteen years of age," authorities said.

Smithers was arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Parish Correctional Center for distribution of child pornography.

Bond was set at $500,000.

Troopers say if convicted, Smithers faces up to a $50,000 fine and from five to 20 years in prison without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

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