KC Reporter

A couple from Rocheport, Missouri, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to the production of child pornography involving three children. Jeremy James Cudney and his wife, Cassandra Elaine Cudney, both 34, face an eight-count indictment issued in Jefferson City, Missouri.

The indictment accuses the couple of conspiring to produce child pornography between August 25, 2019, and April 25, 2022. They are jointly charged with producing child pornography involving two victims under the age of 16, one of whom was under the age of 12.

In addition to these charges, Jeremy Cudney faces counts for distributing and possessing child pornography. Cassandra Cudney is similarly charged with distribution and possession.

"The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt," the release states. "Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence."

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melissa A. Pierce and Ashley S. Turner are prosecuting the case. The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, the Missouri State Technical Assistance Team, and the Howard County Sheriff's Department.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to address child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide. The program brings together federal, state, and local resources to prosecute offenders and rescue victims.

For more information about Project Safe Childhood or Internet safety education resources, visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.