Maryland State Police Arrest Cecil County Man On Child Pornography Charges

PERRYVILLE, MD – A Cecil County man was arrested and charged early Wednesday morning after a Maryland State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigation developed evidence supporting charges of distribution and possession of child pornography.

The suspect is identified as James Sheppard, 23, of Perryville, MD. Sheppard is charged with four counts of distribution of child pornography, six counts of possession of child pornography and one count of sexual solicitation of a minor. Sheppard was arrested at his residence and transported to the Maryland State Police North East Barrack for processing.

In January 2020, the Maryland State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force received a CyberTip report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children involving the distribution of child pornography online. The investigation led to the identification of the suspect and his residence in Cecil County.

At approximately 6 a.m. Wednesday, the Maryland State Police, Homeland Security and Investigations and the Perryville Police Department served a search warrant at the identified residence. A preliminary forensic review of the suspect’s electronic devices revealed multiple child pornography files.

The Maryland State Police Computer Crimes Unit coordinates the Maryland Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. This is a combined law enforcement effort involving police departments across Maryland that is made possible in part due to grant funds provided by the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth and Victim Services and by a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. Task force investigators focus on identifying those involved in child pornography via the Internet and other related crimes that victimize children.