St. Louis, MO - James Bowen, Pevely, MO, pled guilty to charges involving his production, receipt and possession of child pornography between Jan. 1, 2014, and Feb. 29, 2016.
According to court documents, Bowen had illegal sexual contact with a minor under the age of twelve in 2014, and took approximately 30 to 40 photographs of her in various stages of undress. During the investigation of Bowen’s computers, law enforcement found over 5,288 images of child pornography and 810 videos of child pornography. Many of these images and videos of child pornography were of minor children under the age of twelve.
Bowen pled guilty to one felony count each of production, receipt and possession of child pornography before United States District Judge Ronnie L. White, in St. Louis. Sentencing has been set for Oct. 26, 2016.
Production of child pornography carries a penalty range of 15-30 years in prison, receipt of child pornography carries a range of 5-20 years in prison and possession carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
This case was investigated the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the St. Louis County Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Pevely Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Colleen Lang is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
