It was a different kind of "Heartbreak Hotel" for an Elvis impersonator from Michigan after he was caught in a Summit Township motel with a naked 16-year-old runaway from New York and arrested in the early morning hours of January 24, 2024, and charged with interference with custody of children, corruption of minors, and selling/furnishing liquor to minors.  

It doesn't matter how talented you are; if "Suspicious Minds" have enough evidence to charge you with a sex crime, you'd better take it seriously and lawyer up with a criminal defense team that will build a strong case in your defense. Contact the experienced and aggressive Criminal Defense Team at LLF Law Firm today at 888.535.3686 or through our online form, and let us fight to get the best possible outcome in your case. 

A month later, a federal grand jury indicted the man, Matthew Chantelois, on three counts related to interstate sexual exploitation of minors. According to the indictment, Chantelois "used, persuaded, induced, and enticed a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of that conduct" on at least two occasions from about October 2023 to January 2024. He also faces accusations of "possessing and transporting child sexual abuse material in interstate commerce." 

The victim told police she met Chantelois, who performs under the name Matt King and claims to be "one of the world's top-ranked Elvis tribute artists," on social media. She said he gave her vodka, and they exchanged nude photos.  

Possession and Transporting of Child Pornography 

It's bad enough to be charged by Pennsylvania law enforcement with possession of child pornography. Filming and depiction of child pornography acts is a second-degree felony and subject to a maximum prison term of 10 years. But once state lines are crossed in any type of possession, creation, distribution, or transportation of child pornographic material, federal charges can result. The penalties become stiffer.  

For instance, a first-time offender guilty of creating child pornography could be subjected to fines and a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 15 years, with the potential for up to 30 years. Similarly, someone convicted for the first time of transporting child pornography across state lines or internationally might face fines along with a prison sentence ranging from a 5-year minimum to a 20-year maximum. Penalties can increase significantly for offenders with previous convictions or those involved in particularly egregious cases, such as those involving violent or abusive material. Under certain conditions, including prior convictions for child sexual exploitation, the punishment could extend to life imprisonment. 

It's also critical to remember that individuals may be prosecuted under state laws for child pornography, which can run concurrently with or independently from federal charges. 

How LLF Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team Can Build a Strong Defense for You 

If you are facing federal charges for the possession of child pornography, you need an experienced federal criminal defense team on your side. The LLF Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team helped people defend countless criminal charges in several jurisdictions. Contact the LLF Law Firm today at 888.535.3686 or through our online form.