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Panama City Man Arrested on Child Exploitation Charges
03/10/10 - 04:18 PM

U.S. Justice Department

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United States Attorney Thomas F. Kirwin, Northern District of Florida today announced the arrest of James Michael Beall, (30), of Panama City, on a federal indictment charging him with distribution and possession of child pornography, and with enticing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2251 and 2252A.   

Beall had his initial appearance on the indictment this afternoon in the United States District Court in Panama City before United States Magistrate Judge Larry A. Bodiford.  Trial is scheduled to begin on May 10, 2010, before United States District Judge Richard Smoak. 

If convicted, Beall faces 15 to 30 years’ imprisonment for enticing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct,  5 to 20 years’ imprisonment for distribution of child pornography, and a maximum term of ten years’ imprisonment for possession of child pornography. 

This case was investigated by U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Thornton Police Department in Thornton Colorado.

Bay County Sheriff Frank McKeithen stated, “The Bay County Sheriff’s Office will continue to work with other professionals in an effort to keep our children safe from predators. This case is a great example of the commitment of law enforcement nationwide to protect our most vulnerable citizens, our kids.”

Susan McCormick, ICE special agent in charge of the Office of Investigations overseeing Panama City said, “Through partnerships like the one we have with the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, we will continue to vigorously investigate child exploitation cases.”

ICE encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at 1-866-DHS-2ICE. This hotline is staffed around the clock by investigators.
Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, an Operation Predator partner, at 1-800-843-5678 or http://www.cybertipline.com
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Love.

An indictment is merely a formal charge by the grand jury.  Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.