Homeland Security alleges Canton man possessed, promoted child porn video on the Internet

CANTON – A Canton man has been charged with felony child pornography counts in connection with a case that originated with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Charles E. Powell, 61, of 35 Riverside Dr., has been charged with possessing obscene sexual performance by a child, a Class E felony, and promoting obscene sexual performance by a child, a Class D felony.

The St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation started with the Department of Homeland Security, which told local authorities in May 2011 that Powell was sharing child pornographic videos with other Internet users.

Investigators said that Powell sent a pornographic video to a Homeland Security agent, not knowing whom the recipient was.

Powell was arraigned before Potsdam Judge Charleson and was held on $3,000 bail.

He is due in Canton Court Feb. 28.

Along with agents from DHS based in Massena, sheriff’s deputies were assisted in the investigation by the Canton Police Department.