A Stillwater man already facing federal charges for possessing child pornography now is accused of producing sexual images of children on equipment that was transported in interstate or foreign commerce.
Stillwater man indicted for producing child porn
June 11, 2010 at 9:41PM
The new indictment in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis said Shane Allen Werlein, 40, produced illegal "visual depictions" on computers and a cell phone.
It also alleges that he induced two minor children into engaging in sexually explicit conduct between November and February.
A second count in the indictment alleges that Werlein possessed video clips that portrayed girls ages 8, 9 and 12.
The federal indictment came after state charges were filed against Werlein in March for trying to solicit a 13-year-old girl for prostitution on Facebook. Using the name "Ashley Brick," he allegedly sent the girl a message on Facebook. The girl "unfriended" Ashley but she continued to receive instant messages, and was asked if she wanted to "make a lot of money" having sex with men, the complaint said.
In that instance, Werlein was charged with two felony counts in Washington County District Court. On March 4, police allegedly recovered seven videos from Werlein's computer showing minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Werlein was indicted as part of Project Safe Childhood, the U.S. attorney's office in Minneapolis said. The project is a national initiative to combat sexual exploitation of children via the Internet.
He's scheduled for a trial in federal court in July.
KEVIN GILES
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