State and local officials are continuing to investigate a child pornography case.
A Laurel man was arrested Tuesday by the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office and charged with possession of child pornography.
Attorney General Jim Hood made the announcement adding that the arrest is a part of Mississippi’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
Wayne McLain, 51, of 624 East 20th Street, Laurel, was arrested at his home and charged with three counts of possession of child porn.
Jan Schaefer, public information officer for the AG’s Office, said the arrest was made Tuesday night by investigators of the Attorney General’s Cyber Crime Unit’s ICAC Task Force, with assistance from the Laurel Police Department.
“We really appreciate Chief (Walter “Bear”) Martin and his officers for assisting us with the arrest in this case,” said Attorney General Hood. “A unified effort between state and locals is going to be the key to catching all those who are downloading child porn.”
Schaefer said because the case is an ongoing investigation, no specific details could be released.
Laurel’s Police Deputy Chief Tyrone Stewart said Sgt. Michael Reaves and Detective Kevin Flynn with the Laurel Police Department led the local efforts in this case.
“These type crimes are very sickening,” said Stewart adding that the Laurel Police Department was happy to work with the state agency on the incident.
“The Attorney General’s Office is the lead agency on this case,” Stewart said. “We assisted them. Our doors are always open to assist any agency.”
McLain was booked into the Jones County Detention Center, where he was still being held as of press time. Schaefer said no court appearances have been set yet.
The penalty for possession of child porn is five to 40 years per count in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC).
Schaefer said, as with all cases, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
According to officials, if convicted, McLain faces up to 120 years behind bars.
Local News
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Authorities continue to investigate local child porn case
Suspect could face 120 years if convicted
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