Sgt. Jarod Barry, 29 |
HOUSTON—
A 29-year-old Spring resident and sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps was ordered Wednesday to remain in federal custody without bond pending trial for distribution of child pornography.Jarod Barry was indicted by a Houston grand jury Jan. 18 and arrested three days later by special agents with the Secret Service.
Barry pleaded not guilty Wednesday, but the judge denied him bond. Officials said his release would pose a danger to the community.
According to testimony heard Wednesday, Barry made child pornography available to others through the use of online Peer to Peer software.
The images Barry is accused of sharing with others in August include depictions of children younger than age 12 being sexually violated by adults and children being strangled while being violated, officials said.
Investigators searched Barry's home in Spring in October and seized a desktop computer, which officials said contained about 258 child porn videos.
Barry faces between five and 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 if convicted.
Per statute, the punishment for such a conviction also carries a maximum life term of supervised release during which the court can impose a number of special conditions designed to protect children.
Also, if convicted, Barry would have to register as a sex offender in the State of Texas.
His next court date is slated for Mar. 29.
