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Man from Franklin, woman from Cincinnati indicted on federal child porn, human trafficking charges

Man from Franklin, woman from Cincinnati indicted on federal child porn, human trafficking charges
Posted at 10:38 AM, Dec 07, 2017
and last updated 2017-12-07 11:00:48-05

CINCINNATI -- A woman from Cincinnati and a man from Franklin were indicted on federal child pornography  and human trafficking charges Wednesday.

Ciera Richter, 25, and Jason Fletcher, 40, were each charged with one count of conspiracy to produce child pornography and production of child pornography. Richter is also charged with one count of selling a child, according to a news release from the U.S. District Attorney's office.

Fletcher was previously convicted of importuning a minor and was on probation. As part of his probation, he was not allowed to possess porn of any kind, the news release said.

Investigators said that Fletcher's probation officer tipped off police when he examined Fletcher's phone and saw "pornography of a minor female," the news release said. Police then found a collection of child porn -- photos and videos -- on the phone. Some videos involved Fletcher sexually abusing a 2-year-old while Ritcher held the child down.

“The indictment alleges that Richter provided the toddler to Fletcher with the knowledge that as a consequence of the transfer, the two-year-old would be portrayed in child pornography,” U.S. Attorney Benjamin Glassman said. “Offenses like those alleged here are among the most heinous, and most important, that we prosecute. We take seriously our duty and responsibility to keep children safe from those who would prey upon them.”

The charges against Ritcher carry a potential sentence of 15 to 30 years in prison; the charges against Fletcher carry a potential sentence of 35 years to life.

The Warren County Sheriff's Department and Homeland Security Investigations worked together to investigate the case.