Mechanic arrested on child porno charges

A 53-year-old airplane mechanic jailed on suspicion of child pornography, drug and paraphernalia possession, is free today after posting a $100,000 cash bond.

The Kinston Public Safety Department and the State Bureau of Investigation arrested Jeffrey Patton Fichten, 1013 Jamestown Court, at his home Thursday during a joint investigation. Fichten is a mechanic for Mountain Air Cargo at the Global TransPark, investigators said.

Comdr. Greg Thompson said officers confiscated a large number of pornographic photographs, computers, video tapes, CDs, and an amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia consistent with a “user’s supply” from Fichten’s home.

SBI forensic experts have taken the computers and will be mining them for more information.

Evidence of child pornography and drugs was found during a search of the house initiated after police and the SBI obtained a search warrant, Thompson said. He termed the investigation as “short term.”

Thompson could not say how many photographs were confiscated, but called them a “large amount of photos and evidence” of the alleged crime. Police have not examined all of the photographs yet, he said. The pictures show “very young children,” he said. It is not clear yet whether any of the photographs involve area children.

Thompson is releasing scant details, citing the case as an on-going investigation. He said he could not speculate on whether Fichten is an alleged dealer or a collector of child pornography.

Fichten is charged with third degree sexual exploitation of a minor, which means police believe he was in possession of child pornography. Each photograph will be a separate count, Thompson said, and more charges are expected to be issued.

Any person with questions, concerns or information about the case can contact Thompson at (252) 939-3188.