A federal grand jury has returned an indictment in US District Court charging CHRISTINA NELSON-CODDINGTON, 29, and GERRAD CODDINGTON, 25, both of Pauls Valley (Garvin County), with producing child pornography.
According to a six-count indictment, both defendants used a minor identified as Jane Doe to engage in sexually explicit conduct to produce a video and photographs. The indictment alleges the defendants produced the video and photographs on various dates in May and June of 2019 and used materials that had been transported in interstate commerce.
Both defendants were arrested on June 14 on related charges lodged by the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office. They are currently in custody in the Garvin County jail on $5 million bonds.
For information on pending state charges, see http://www.oag.ok.gov/attorney-general-hunter-amends-child-pornography-charges-to-include-additional-charges-collaboration-with-u-s-attorneys-office.
"I’m grateful both for the tip that led to this prosecution and for Attorney General Hunter’s diligence in addressing these sorts of crimes against children," said U.S. Attorney Downing. "My office will continue to work with state law enforcement under laws enacted by Congress to eliminate child pornography and the harm it causes our youngest citizens."
In the event of a conviction, each count would carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years, in addition to a fine of up to $250,000. These charges also call for a term of supervised release of not less than five years and up to life and a total special assessment of $55,100.
This case is the result of a tip sent to the Oklahoma Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and an investigation by the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, and the Pauls Valley Police Department. This federal case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Hale.
The public is reminded that these charges are merely allegations and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Reference is made to public filings for more information.
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