United States Attorney Mark A. Klaassen announced today that Jessica Lynn Dierking, age 34, a resident of Sheridan, Wyoming, was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 18, 2020, for receipt of child pornography, distribution of child pornography, and two counts of production of child pornography.

The maximum penalty upon conviction for receipt and distribution of child pornography is 5 to 20 years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine, 5 years to life of supervised release, and up to $35,000 in a special assessment. Restitution for any victim’s injuries and loss may also be ordered. The maximum penalty upon conviction for each count of production of child pornography is 15 to 30 years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine, 5 years to life of supervised release, and up to $35,000 in a special assessment. Restitution for the victim’s injuries and loss may also be ordered.

Dierking pleaded not guilty at her arraignment before Chief United States Magistrate Judge Kelly H. Rankin on March 31, 2020. Judge Rankin remanded the defendant to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. A trial has been scheduled for May 26, 2020.

The charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which is comprised of agents from the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations.