U.S. Attorney William C. Lamar has stated that Ronald W. Hale, a Southaven Alderman, has been charged with transportation of child pornography.
The 57-year old alderman has been charged on a one-count indictment for “knowingly using a means of interstate or foreign commerce to transport or ship a visual depiction involving a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.”
Hale surrendered to the United States Marshals Service, and made his initial appearance and arraignment in federal court on Wednesday. If convicted, he faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Jackson Division’s Southaven Resident Agency and DeSoto County Sheriff’s Department, and is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi. The Southaven Police Department also assisted with the investigation.
Hale was also arrested and charged with hiring a prostitute back in November, a charge to which he pled not guilty.
