By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

BIRMINGHAM—A federal grand jury indicted a 34-year-old Hoover man on multiple charges of producing, receiving and possessing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance and FBI Special Agent in Charge Roger C. Stanton announced on July 2.

According to the release, the four-count indictment charges Jason Michael Hankins with “the production, receipt and possession of child pornography in 2013.”

Hankins worked at Shades Crest Baptist Church in Hoover as part of the Family Life Center staff, the release stated, and he located “at least one of his victims by seeking out a single mother on a Christian dating website.”

The case was investigated by the FBI, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacquelyn Hutzell is prosecuting the case.

If convicted, Hankins could face up to 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count of producing child pornography and 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count of receiving and possession child pornography.

As of July 2, Hankins is also facing 22 charges in Shelby and Jefferson counties.

In Shelby County, Hankins is facing six felony charges and one misdemeanor charge, including Class A felony charges of first degree rape, sexual abuse and torture, first degree sodomy and producing child pornography ; a Class B felony charge of sexual abuse of a child less than 12; a Class C felony charge of child abuse; and a misdemeanor charge of distributing pornography to a minor.

In Jefferson County, Hankins is facing 15 felony sexual abuse charges, including 10 counts of producing child pornography, a Class A felony; Class A felony charges of first degree rape and first degree sodomy; a Class B felony charge of transmitting obscene material to a child by computer; and two Class C felony charges of first degree sexual abuse.

Hankins is set to appear for a jury trial in Jefferson County on Aug. 24 at 9 a.m.