Child-porn suspect indicted

A federal grand jury indicted a Hawaii island man on Wednesday, charging him with six counts of producing child pornography by using and enticing two minor children.

FBI agents said Puna resident John Ridgely Tucker, 56, took photos of the two children engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The photos appeared to show a telephone book for the Big Island issued by Hawaiian Telcom. As a result, the FBI asked for the public’s help identifying and finding the man.

The FBI received calls from the public and arrested Tucker Oct. 10. Tucker, who operates Hale Makamae Bed and Breakfast with his wife and is also employed as salesman for a construction company, is being held without bail.

Each of the six charges against Tucker carries a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison.