Thursday, June 03, 2010

Edward Christy Arraigned on Federal Criminal Charges

June 3, 2010 - United States Attorney Kenneth J. Gonzales announced today that Edward Christy, 57, a resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico, was arraigned by Chief United States Magistrate Judge Richard L. Puglisi on a four-count federal indictment. The indictment charges Christy with the unlawful transportation of a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity and three counts of the unlawful possession of child pornography.

Christy was arrested at his Albuquerque residence on November 9, 2009 where he was found with an underage female from California and in possession of a computer containing child pornography. Christy faces not less than 10 years' imprisonment up to life, not less than five years' supervised release, and a 250,000 fine for transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Christy also faces up to 10 years' imprisonment, up to a life-time of supervised release and a $250,000 fine for each count of possession of a visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

The case is being prosecuted by Charlyn Rees, Assistant United States Attorney, as part of the national Project Safe Childhood Initiative, and in cooperation with the Second Judicial District Attorney's Office. The case was jointly investigated by the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office and the Albuquerque Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

An indictment is only an accusation. All criminal defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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