Indianapolis – United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced today that James Hans Huffman, 48, of Bloomington was sentenced to 96 months in prison for Possession of Child Pornography by the Honorable Sarah Evans Barker. Huffman served as the Chief Deputy Auditor for Monroe County, Indiana from 2017-2018, and Chief Deputy Treasurer for Monroe County, Indiana from 2009-2017. 

The case began when the Bloomington Police Department uncovered that Huffman and a 16-year-old male were utilizing social media applications to text and send nude pictures and videos back and forth between one another. Shortly thereafter, a search warrant was executed at Huffman’s home and authorities would later find a large, highly organized collection of child pornography. Huffman’s collection included imagery of toddlers, bondage and sadomasochistic conduct, and bestiality. In total, his collection included 230,000 individual child pornography pictures and movies. 

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting children from predators like Huffman,” said Minkler. “Anyone who preys upon a child, no matter what public office they hold, will be held fully accountable under the law.”

This case was jointly investigated by the Southern District of Indiana Crimes Against Children Task Force, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Indiana State Police, and the Bloomington Police Department.

“When the most vulnerable of our citizens – our children - are victimized we will always ensure we do everything in our power to protect them and get predators such as this off the street,” said Danny Youmara, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Division. “This sentence is a great example of the importance of the FBI’s partnerships – in this case with the Bloomington Police Department, Indiana State Police, and the Monroe County Prosecutor’s Office – and how we combined resources and investigative efforts to ensure the safety of the children in the community.”

“Indiana State Police investigators work diligently every day, all across Indiana, and in collaboration with its law enforcement partners, to bring to justice those who seek to capitalize on the victimization of children,” commented Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas G. Carter.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bradley P. Shepard. According to AUSA Shepard, Huffman will be on supervised release for 10 years following his release from prison; he was fined $5,000, and will have to register as a sex offender.

            In October 2017, United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced a Strategic Plan designed to shape and strengthen the District’s response to its most significant public safety challenges. This prosecution demonstrates the office’s firm commitment to utilize and partner with law enforcement agencies to prosecute individuals engaged in the sexual exploitation of children. See United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana Strategic Plan Section 4.2.

Public encouraged to notify law enforcement if they have any further information

PRESS RELEASE

Indianapolis-United States Attorney Josh Minkler announced today that a Bloomington, Indiana, man has been indicted for possession of matter containing child pornography. James Hans Huffman, 47, was arrested this morning by local and federal law enforcement officials. He had an initial appearance before a federal magistrate this afternoon and remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

“Protecting minor victims from sexual predators will always remain a top priority of this office,” said Minkler. “Those who are not able to protect themselves are the victims for which we will advocate the hardest.”

According to the indictment, from November 6, 2017, through December 19, 2017, Huffman possessed one or more matters which contained visual depictions of minors under the age of 12 years old engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

The public is encouraged to call law enforcement officials if they have any reason to believe Huffman may have had inappropriate contact with their children or other youth in the community. The FBI’s toll-free number is 800-CALLFBI (225-5324) or www.fbi.gov/tips. Concerned citizens may also call the Bloomington Police Department at 812-339-4477.

This case is being investigated by the Bloomington Police Department and the FBI.

“Today’s charge illustrates the FBI’s ongoing commitment to protect the most vulnerable in our society, our youth, from those who would attempt to exploit them,” said Grant Mendenhall, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Division. “This arrest also demonstrates the strong partnerships we have with our law enforcement partners and our continued efforts to identify and hold accountable those who prey on children.”

According to Assistant United States Attorney Bradley P. Shepard who is prosecuting this case for the government, Huffman faces up to 20 years imprisonment if convicted.

An indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

In October 2017, United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced a Strategic Plan designed to shape and strengthen the District’s response to its most significant public safety challenges. This prosecution demonstrates the Office’s firm commitment to prosecuting those who exploit or harm children and to work closely with Project Safe Childhood. See United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana Strategic Plan 4.1 and 4.2

 

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