Woman may change her plea in child porn case
A New Boston, Texas, woman accused of creating and distributing child pornography is scheduled to appear in federal court next week for a change-of-plea hearing.
Haidy Noel Branson, 23, previously entered not-guilty pleas with the help of Texarkana lawyer Jeff Harrelson to all charges listed in a four-count indictment pending in the Texarkana division of the Eastern District of Texas federal court. Branson allegedly exploited a prepubescent child in November to produce pornography that she then distributed online.
Branson’s indictment alleges
possession, production, reception and distribution of child pornography. Branson has been in jail since her arrest in late January.
Harrelson waived the issue of pretrial release for Branson at her arraignment hearing Jan. 27 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Caroline Craven. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Locker filed a motion before Branson’s arraignment seeking her continued detention. Locker’s motion cited the serious nature of the crimes with which Branson is charged and concern for community safety.
Branson is scheduled to appear Thursday before Craven for a change-of-plea hearing in Texarkana’s downtown federal building. If Branson enters a plea as expected, the court is likely to order preparation of a report, including a recommendation for punishment under federal sentencing guidelines.
Production of child pornography is punishable by a minimum of 15 years in federal prison, a maximum of 30 years and the possibility of a fine up to $250,000. Possession of child pornography is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a fine up to $250,000 or both. Counts of receiving and distributing child pornography are both punishable by five to 20 years in prison, a fine up to $250,000 or both.