Barnhart Woman Pleads Guilty to Production of Child Pornography Charges

St. Louis, MO – Heather McDorman, 30, of Barnhart, pled guilty to seven counts of Production and Attempted Production of Child Pornography/Sexual Exploitation of a Child.  McDorman appeared before United States District Judge Rodney W. Sippel and set sentencing for August 30, 2019.

According to court documents, between February 1, 2018 and March 12, 2018, McDorman, at the direction of her boyfriend and co-defendant Zachary Hamby, attempted to take pornographic photographs of children in restrooms at South County Mall, Walmart, other area malls, park bathrooms and a church bathroom. McDorman, at the direction of co-defendant Hamby, also sexually abused a child and photographed and livestreamed some of the abuse so that Hamby could view it. Such depictions were produced using an IPhone and then mailed, shipped or transported in interstate and foreign commerce.

McDorman faces a maximum penalty of 30 years and/or fines up to $250,000. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

The case was investigated by St. Louis County Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Lang is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.