The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO

Carthage, Jasper County

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November 23, 2009

Jasper man indicted in child-pornography case

By Debby Woodin

dwoodin@joplinglobe.com

A Jasper man was indicted Monday by a federal grand jury in a child-pornography case.

Donald Lee Zaerr, 58, is accused in a two-count indictment handed up by the panel in Springfield of possessing and distributing child pornography.

The first count alleges that Zaerr distributed four images depicting sexual acts involving preteen or minor children over the Internet on Oct. 7. That count calls for punishment of five to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000.

The second count charges that Zaerr possessed at least one computer image of child pornography on Nov. 5.

The indictment says Zaerr should have to forfeit any equipment, materials or profits involved in the alleged possession or distribution of the images. It lists property of 12 computers, four thumb drives and 28 compact discs as being among that equipment.

Don Ledford, spokesman for U.S. Attorney Matt J. Whitworth, said there was no probable-cause affidavit or any other information that could be released detailing the allegations.

The investigation was part of the government’s “Project Safe Childhood,” a national enforcement effort that began in 2006 and is directed at curbing the exploitation of children.

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