For Release: Sept. 14, 2006
Contact: J. Tucker Martin or David Clementson
Email: jtmartin@oag.state.va.us or dclementson@oag.state.va.us
Phone: 804-786-2071
Contact: Office of Halifax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Kim White
Carolyn Slayton
Phone: 434-476-2139.
McDonnell Announces Major Child Pornography Conviction
- South Boston Child Pornography Defendant Pleads “No Contest” to 153 Counts –
SOUTH BOSTON - A Halifax County Circuit Court Judge found David K. Tetterton guilty of 127 felony counts of possession of child pornography and 26 felony counts of reproduction of child pornography today after Tetterton pleaded "no contest" to all 153 charges.
A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for December 19 at 9:30 a.m when Tetterton will face a maximum of 1,525 years in prison.
Speaking about the ruling, Attorney General Bob McDonnell noted, "Child pornography offenses are serious crimes. Those who sexually exploit children must be prosecuted and put behind bars.”
Attorney General McDonnell continued, remarking, “As we work to protect the children of Virginia, this case is a reminder of the important role that vigilant citizens must play in this effort. It was employees at the local Wal-Mart who first alerted police to these crimes. I thank them for doing their civic duty. And I thank Commonwealth's Attorney Kim White and her office, the South Boston Police Department, the United States Postal Inspection Service, The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and our Computer Crimes Unit for their coordinated effort in successfully investigating and prosecuting this case."
South Boston police officers arrested Tetterton in March for possession and reproduction of child pornography. This arrest was achieved due to the assistance of employees from Wal-Mart who detected Tetterton developing explicit photographs. Tetterton was arrested on 26 counts of reproduction of child pornography and 27 counts of possession of child pornography. A Halifax County Grand Jury indicted Tetterton on an additional 100 counts of possession of child pornography based on material discovered on Tetterton's computer. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children assisted in the analysis of the additional materials. The case is being prosecuted by Halifax County Commonwealth's Attorney Kim White and Assistant Attorney General Gene Fishel of Attorney General McDonnell's Computer Crimes Unit. Tetterton has been held without bond since March.
Today’s conviction comes as Attorney General McDonnell prepares for the second meeting of his statewide Youth Internet Safety Task Force. This meeting will take place at Deep Run High School in Henrico County on Tuesday September 19.
Click here for more information about Attorney General McDonnell’s Youth Internet Safety Task Force.
