Editor’s note: We have made this story free to read in hopes that you will see firsthand our dedication to keeping our community informed and connected. Will you consider now? For just $1 a week, you will support non-editorial local news and be up to date on what’s happening in the community. Consider reading more by clicking here.
York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office investigators and Newport News Police arrested a Newport News man Tuesday in connection with an investigation involving child pornography.
Jeffery Hood faces 11 felony possession of child pornography charges including one first-offense charge and 10 “subsequent” offense charges, according to a recent arrest report from the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office.
The 30-year-old was arrested at his home on the 12700 block of Woodside Lane in Newport News. He is being held at Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail without bond.
Shelley Ward, a spokeswoman for the sheriff’s office, said in an email authorities received a tip from the Internet Crimes Against Children task force in May 2017 that referenced a report of “child exploitation.”
Investigators believe Hood used messaging app, “KiK” to receive images of minors to view and then saved them to a Dropbox account.
Hood may have lived in York County at the time the offense occurred, Ward added.
Virginia recognizes a first-offense possession of child pornography charge as a Class 6 felony which warrants up to five years in prison. Subsequent offenses, like 10 of Hood’s charges, are classified as Class 5 felonies and call for up to 10 years in prison per charge.
