RICH FOUNTAIN  — Kevin A. Fick, 44, of Rich Fountain, was indicted on Dec. 13, 2022, on two federal charges — receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography.

At his initial appearance on Dec. 19 before Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps, Jr., Fick pleaded not guilty after charges and range of punishment were summarized for the defendant. Court-appointed Public Defender Troy Stabenow represents Fick.

The court has sealed the details of Fick’s case.

He was taken into custody on Dec. 13 by Osage County deputies, who worked in conjunction with the Franklin County Cyber Crimes Unit.

“I appreciate the hard work our detectives did that was necessary to file these charges,” said Sheriff Mike Bonham. “Working to keep our children safe is the most important thing we do.”

Osage County has been part of the Franklin County cyber crime task force for few years.

Judge Epps confirmed the United States’ obligation to disclose to the defendant all exculpatory evidence — that is, evidence that favors the defendant or casts doubt on the United States’ case — as required by Brady v. Maryland and its progeny and orders the United States to do so. Failure to disclose exculpatory evidence in a timely manner may result in consequences, including the exclusion of evidence, adverse jury instructions, dismissal of charges, contempt proceedings, disciplinary action, or sanctions by the court.

The court denied the government’s motion to detain Fick, and released him on special conditions that were not made public.

Fick’s case was formally set for trial on Feb. 13, but upon agreement and consent by the parties, the court granted his motion to continue this matter to May 1.