Ex-Wharton professor Scott Ward was formally indicted on child-pornography charges in an Alexandria, Va., federal court yesterday.
The indictment alleged that Ward "produced, imported and possessed visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct," according to the U.S. Attorney's office in Alexandria.
Ward was arrested Aug. 27 at Dulles International Airport upon returning from a trip to Brazil. His arrest affidavit states that he had with him DVDs and computer video files of himself engaging in sex acts with underage males. He remains in custody in Virginia.
The case was investigated by agents of the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
According to the U.S. Attorney's office in Alexandria, the charge for producing child pornography carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of 30 years.
Importation of child pornography carries a sentence of 5 to 20 years in prison, and possession of child pornography carries a sentence of up to 10 years.
Ward is being arraigned today before U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema.
Ward's lawyers could not be reached for comment.
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.