St. Louis, MO - Daniel Avetta, also known as Jessica Gables, 28, of Catawissa, MO, appeared in the Federal District Court today to answer to child pornography charges contained in a federal grand jury indictment that was filed Wednesday but remained sealed until Avetta’s court appearance this afternoon.
Avetta has been indicted on four counts of production of child pornography; six counts of receipt of child pornography; and two counts of online enticement of a minor. The indictment involved multiple victims from Jan. 1, 2017 and April 3, 2017.
If convicted, production charge carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000; receipt charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years; and online enticement of a minor charge is not less than 10 years to life. 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 by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Colleen Lang is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.
As is always the case, charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
