Harry Fred Wells, age 53, of Follansbee, West Virginia, has admitted to possession of child pornography.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Wells was under investigation for inappropriate contact with a minor through social media. Officers searched his home and his phone, finding child pornography.
Wells is facing up to 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Department of Homeland Security investigated.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Conklin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.