TEXARKANA, Texas - A docket entry in the federal criminal case against a Texarkana man accused of possessing and distributing child pornography indicates he intends to plead guilty.
Troy "T.J." Dewayne Daniels, 31, has been in jail since Nov. 25, the same day federal agents and local police executed a search of his home on Trinity Street in Texarkana, Texas. U.S. Magistrate Judge Caroline Craven denied bond in the case in December following a detention hearing at which Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Hornok argued Daniels presents a risk to the community.
Daniels came to the attention of law enforcement in October after he allegedly began chatting online with an undercover officer in California using the application Whisper. According to a criminal complaint, Daniels spoke of wanting to engage in sexual activity with his wife's 6-year-old daughter and sent the agent child pornography using the Wickr application.
The 6-year-old allegedly told her grandmother that Daniels has "kissed her like in the movies."
A federal grand jury issued a two-count indictment in December charging Daniels with possession and distribution of child pornography. Texarkana lawyer Jeff Harrelson filed a notice Tuesday that Daniels intends to enter an open plea of guilty to the court with no plea agreement arranged with the government.
Daniels faces five to 20 years for distribution of child pornography. That offense includes the possibility of a $250,000 fine as well. Possession of child pornography is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.
A conviction for either offense also includes a requirement to register as a sex offender.