A former Athens-Clarke County Police Officer, Amber Nicole Ferguson, has been indicted on several federal charges, including production and attempted production of child sexual abuse material, possession of such material involving a minor under 12 years old, and production of obscene material. The indictment also alleges that Ferguson produced images involving bestiality with horses and dogs.
According to U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg, “Sexual predators who prey upon children or sexually abuse animals for the purpose of disseminating images of the abuse face significant prison time if convicted in federal court. To protect the community and its most vulnerable members, my office will aggressively prosecute anyone who commits such crimes.”
Special Agent in Charge Steven N. Schrank of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama commented on the case: “The actions alleged in this indictment represent a profound betrayal of the trust and responsibility placed in law enforcement officers. Those who are sworn to protect our communities—especially our children—must be held to the highest standards. Homeland Security Investigations is committed to ensuring that individuals who exploit their positions to harm the most vulnerable will be brought to justice.”
Chris Hosey, Director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, added: “Few crimes are as vile as those committed against children. When the offender is someone who swore an oath to protect the public and uphold the law, it is an even deeper violation. We remain unwavering in our commitment to working alongside our partners to safeguard our most vulnerable and bring offenders, regardless of their title or authority, to justice.”
Authorities began investigating after a family member of two minors reported suspicions to the Commerce Police Department. During their investigation, police found child sexual abuse material on Ferguson’s phone. Further examination revealed additional images allegedly depicting bestiality involving horses and dogs.
Ferguson, 34, from Commerce, Georgia, was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Anna W. Howard on December 4 following her indictment by a federal grand jury on December 2. The public is reminded that these are only charges at this stage; Ferguson is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted on charges related to production or attempted production of child sexual abuse material, Ferguson faces a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison. Sentencing will take into account guidelines established by the United States Sentencing Commission.
The case involves collaboration between Homeland Security Investigations (part of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement), the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the Commerce Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Keen is prosecuting this case.
This prosecution falls under Project Safe Childhood—a national initiative launched by the Attorney General in February 2006 aimed at protecting children from online exploitation and abuse by combining federal, state, and local resources for apprehending offenders (more information can be found at www.projectsafechildhood.gov).
For further details about this case or other initiatives by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia visit http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga or contact their Public Affairs Office via email at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or by phone at (404) 581-6016.
