A federal indictment unsealed last week in Texarkana accuses a 66-year-old man of possessing and receiving pornographic images involving children under 12.
Charles Donald Thompson is the only defendant named in a two-count indictment handed down June 26 in the Texarkana Division of the Western District of Arkansas. The indictment was unsealed following Thompson’s arraignment July 2 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Barry Bryant.
Thompson appeared at the hearing with Assistant Federal Public Defender Alex Wynn and entered pleas of not guilty to both charges.
Wynn did not ask for a hearing to address the issue of bond but reserved the option to ask the court later to consider pretrial release. The government was represented at the arraignment by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Wulff. The government is seeking Thompson’s detention while the case proceeds.
The indictment accuses Thompson of receiving images of child pornography Dec. 9 and of possessing child pornography Dec. 12. Possession of child pornography is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison. Receiving child pornography is punishable by five to 20 years. Each count includes the possibility of a fine up to $250,000.
The government is seeking Thompson’s forfeiture of several pieces of computer equipment and a cell phone.
The case is set for jury selection Aug. 22 before U.S. District Judge Susan Hickey in Texarkana.
