Madison County Man Indicted for Offenses Involving Sexually Explicit Images of Minors

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Scotty Dale Johnson, 48, of Richmond, Kentucky, was indicted earlier this month in federal court, for producing, receiving, and possessing sexually explicit images of children.

The indictment alleges that, from October 2018 to April 2019, Johnson knowingly employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct, for the purpose of producing visual depictions. The indictment also alleges that Johnson knowingly received and possessed sexually explicit images of minors.. Johnson appeared for arraignment, on February 25, 2020, in United States District Court in Lexington. Johnson’s trial has been scheduled for April 21, 2020 in Frankfort.         

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted jointly by the Kentucky State Police, the FBI and University of Kentucky Police Department, in coordination with the Madison County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office. If anyone has additional information related to the case, they are encouraged to contact the FBI at 859-246-4700.         

If convicted, Johnson faces a prison sentence of up to 30 years each count of production, up to 20 years for each count of receipt, and a maximum of 10 years on the count of possession. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court, after its consideration of the United States Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of sentences.

            Any indictment is an accusation only. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.