An East Georgia man has been indicted on multiple federal child pornography charges, according to the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
A grand jury returned a criminal indictment against 35-year-old Michael Peyton Gunn of Evans on four counts of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Bobby L. Christine announced Friday in a news release.
If found guilty, Gunn faces up to 30 years in prison on each count, along with substantial fines, restitution, asset forfeiture and a period of supervised release if he ever gets out of prison.
There is no parole for those convicted in the federal system, the release noted.
FBI agents became aware of Gunn while conducting a separate investigation in another state, according to court documents. A witness in the case allegedly revealed Gunn as the source for illegal pornographic materials that were seized.
Federal agents moved on the tip and discovered child pornography on electronic devices inside Gunn’s home, the U.S. attorney said in the release.
“When a lead from an investigation in another state was received, our local FBI partners jumped into action to track down and apprehend those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” Christine said in the release. “There will be no place for predators to hide: We will find them and bring them to justice — and halt the victimization of children.”
The case was investigated as part of the Department of Justice Project Safe Childhood and will be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara M. Lyons, the release said.
“The FBI is committed to protecting every citizen, and no one more than innocent children who are preyed on by adults,” said Chris Hacker, special agent in charge of FBI Atlanta. “These charges are particularly troubling and a reason the FBI is committed to identifying and apprehending predators accused of these atrocious acts.”
According to court records on the website leagle.com, Gunn is being represented by attorney Shawn M. Merzlak of the Hawk Law Group.
At a Feb. 11 hearing, prosecutors requested a court order prohibiting Gunn from communicating with his wife and an alleged minor victim.
About the Author
