For Release: July 10, 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 Indictments in Halifax County
-David K. Tetterton, Arrested in March, Indicted Today on 154 Counts-
South Boston- A Halifax County Grand Jury indicted David K. Tetterton today on 27 counts of reproduction of child pornography and 127 counts of possession of child pornography. The reproduction counts are Class 5 felonies and the possession counts are Class 6 felonies.
Speaking about the case Attorney General Bob McDonnell remarked, “I applaud the actions of the Halifax Grand Jury today. These indictments are another step towards ensuring that justice is served in this case.” McDonnell continued noting, “Working together with Commonwealth’s Attorney Kim White and the South Boston Police Department, we will ensure that the children of Halifax County are protected from the threats of sexual predators.”
South Boston police officers arrested Tetterton in March for possession and reproduction of child pornography. The South Boston Police Department received assistance in this effort from employees of Wal-Mart. Tetterton was formally arrested on 27 counts of reproduction of child pornography and 27 counts of possession of child pornography.*
The Grand Jury indicted Tetterton on an additional 100 counts of possession of child pornography. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children assisted in the analysis of the additional materials. Tetterton has been held without bond since March.
Attorney General McDonnell’s Computer Crime Unit and Commonwealth’s Attorney Kim White are prosecuting the case. Additional charges may be forthcoming. A jury trial is scheduled for September 14-15.
The Attorney General continues his efforts to crack down on sexual predators, specifically those who use the Internet to threaten children, on Friday of this week with the first meeting of his Youth Internet Safety Task Force. The first meeting will be held at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in Alexandria. This panel, comprised of leaders from prominent Internet companies, educators, parents, elected officials, and law enforcement will meet statewide over the coming months to identify solutions to the growing problem of sexual offenders and other criminals using the Internet to target children and teenagers in the Commonwealth. For more information please visit:
http://www.vaag.com/PRESS_RELEASES/NewsArchive/0606_Internet_Safety_Task_Force.html
* To see a prior release on the Tetterton case please use this link: http://www.vaag.com/PRESS_RELEASES/NewsArchive/
0306_South_Boston_Man_Held_Without_Bond.html
