A Michigan couple pleaded guilty today to charges they sold and distributed obscene videos and of possessing child pornography.
John Messer and his wife Deborah Messer entered their pleas before the U.S. District Court of Appeals in Grand Rapids, Mich.
John Messer was facing one count of engaging in the sale of obscene material, one count of mailing obscene material, one count of transporting obscene material through a common carrier, six counts of receiving child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.
Deborah Messer was accused of aiding and abetting in the sale of obscene material. The couple faces up to five years in prison on each obscenity count and an additional five years in prison on the child porn count.
Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 27.
The Messers operated JMM Products Company since 1996. It primarily handled the sale and distribution of adult videos.
“The distribution of obscene materials such as these threatens the well-being of American families and must not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Margaret Chiara.
Sheila Phillips of the Obscenity Prosecution Task Force and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Delaney, chief of the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Michigan prosecuted the case.
The Obscenity Prosecution Task Force, which heads the case, investigates and prosecutes the producers and distributors of hardcore porn that is deemed obscene as defined by the U.S. Supreme Court.
