Two Individuals Indicted for Sexual Exploitation of Children

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - A federal grand jury has indicted two individuals on child-exploitation charges, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Catherine L. Crosby.

The following defendants were indicted:

• A two-count indictment charges Steven Roshee Powell, also known as "Champ G," 35, of Birmingham, Alabama, with sex trafficking of children and attempted sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion. The incidents occurred between October 2, 2025, and October 29, 2025, in Jefferson County, Alabama.
• A two-count indictment charges Adam Joseph Hegler, 46, of Hueytown, Alabama, with distribution and possession of child pornography. The incidents occurred between November 2024 and April 2025 in Jefferson County, Alabama.

If you suspect or become aware of possible sexual exploitation of a child, please contact law enforcement. Reports can be filed with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) or online at https://www.cybertipline.org.Links to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.projectsafechildhood.govLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link..

Homeland Security Investigations investigated the cases along with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel S. McBrayer is prosecuting the cases.

An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.