Federal Grand Jury Indicts Temple Man for Production of Child Pornography

This afternoon, a federal grand jury in Waco returned a two count indictment charging 38–year-old Joseph “Joey” Michael McFarland of Temple, TX, with production and possession of child pornography announced Acting United States Attorney Richard L. Durbin, Jr., and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs of the FBI’s San Antonio Division.

The indictment charges McFarland with one count each of production and possession of child pornography.  According to the indictment, in June 2014, McFarland allegedly coerced a minor into engaging in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual image of the sexually explicit conduct.  The indictment further alleges that in January 2015, McFarland unlawfully possessed images of child pornography.

On January 15, 2015, FBI agents executed a search warrant and seized a computer belonging to McFarland.  A subsequent forensics examination of the computer revealed the presence of numerous photographs of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

McFarland faces between 15 and 30 years in federal prison for production of child pornography and up to 20 years in federal prison for possession of child pornography.  McFarland, and his accomplice, 20-year-old Meredith Howell of Temple, remain in federal custody following their arrest on Sunday by the FBI.  Howell is charged by a federal criminal complaint with accessory after the fact for her role in the child enticement/pornography scheme.  Upon conviction, she faces between seven-and-a-half years and 15 years in federal prison.

The case resulted from a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation together with the Temple Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Greg Gloff.