CORRECTION: An earlier headline on this story misstated the relationship of two suspects to an incident at a motel; they were not present.
Federal authorities have wrapped an investigation of child pornography after a third guilty plea, prosecutors said Tuesday.
Charles Casey Garner, 39, of Brooklet, pleaded guilty to one count of producing child porn, according to Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
Previously, Richard Hunt Moore Jr., 48, of Hephzibah, and Carl Scott Ruger, 40, of Guyton, pleaded guilty to the same charge, prosecutors said in a news release. A fourth suspect died by suicide in Illinois before questioning.
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and FBI found Moore with a minor at a motel in Augusta, according to the release. Child porn was also found on electronic devices in his possession.
The Augusta Chronicle reported on Moore's arrest in January, adding that the incident took place at the Red Roof Inn on Belair Frontage Road. A 14-year-old boy picked up a motel employee's cellphone and typed the message "Help Me," and the employee quickly contacted authorities, the newspaper reported.
Garner, Ruger and the fourth suspect were identified during a subsequent investigation, the release said.
The charge of producing child porn carries a minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and a maximum sentence of 30 years.
Effingham County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Homeland Security officials assisted in the investigation.
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