Guide Note:On March 26, 2008, Michael Wayne Anderson was indicted on thirteen counts by a Charlottesville, Virginia grand jury for the crimes of producing, transmitting, receiving, and possessing child pornography as part of a multi-state crime ring which operated between 2005 and 2007. Members of the ring, the indictment alleges, used instant messaging, video messaging, text messaging and video chat software to produce and transmit images of members of the crime ring engaging in sexual activity with minors. If convicted on all counts, Anderson stands to face the rest of his life in prison.

Fast Facts:

1. The offenses occurred during a period when Anderson was on probation for object sexual penetration of an 11-year old girl
2. Anderson communicated with convicted offenders in Pennsylvania and Texas
3. Anderson has requested that authorities let him access his confiscated hard drive
4. In a motion filed in December 2007, Anderson requested that the following evidence be excluded from the grand jury deliberations
   1. Any Japanese anime involving adults found on his computer
   2. Disclosure of his previous conviction
   3. Thumbnail photographs of child pornography he unknowingly downloaded
5. Anderson also asked that his wife be excused from testifying against him
6. Anderson pleaded not guilty to the charges