A Valparaiso man is facing a maximum of 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to a charge of possession of child pornography, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana said.

On Wednesday, Jeffrey Alan Smith pleaded guilty to that charge—on the same day in fact it was filed—and agreed to waive his right to indictment by federal grand jury, according to court documents.

In exchange for his plea, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has agreed not to file additional charges against Smith in connection with conduct “which is related to this criminal investigation and is currently known to the government,” the plea agreement states.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office will also recommend to the judge a reduction in the “offense level” in recognition of Smith’s “acceptance of responsibility” but will argue at sentencing for the applicability of two enhancements: the first because the offense involved a child between the ages of 12 and 15; the second because the offense involved the commission of a sexual act or sexual contact, the plea agreement states.

The agreement is not binding on the judge.

No information was available on the investigation itself, other than the fact that Smith was charged with possessing child pornography between Aug. 1, 2009, and Sept. 1, 2010.

Posted 6/1/2012