A federal grand jury has indicted an Erie man on charges for child pornography, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Tuesday.

Darren Akers, 48, was named in the two-count indictment for violating federal laws related to the sexual exploitation of children.

Akers received and attempted to receive images showing prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct on March 9, according to the indictment.

He also possessed and accessed child sexual abuse material from May 2022 to March 2023, according to information presented to the court.

Akers faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, or both, depending on the seriousness of the crime and any prior criminal history.