Man accused of child porn charges denied bond

By Linda Cicoira

A Modestown man was denied bond in Accomack Circuit Court Thursday after it was disclosed that he had been charged in Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court with 12 counts of possession of child pornography and a charge of using a computer to solicit sex from a minor.

Defense lawyer Kenneth Singleton said there was no proof that his client, 27-year-old Cameron Obrien Shrieves, ever met up with the alleged victims, who have not been identified.

“There was just a lot of talk,” the attorney said. He has no criminal record, has a good work record, has family support, and has been cooperative.

“The issue is the safety of the community,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Spencer Morgan, who argued against bond. He called the offenses “very repugnant” and “there was a step to save it on” his phone. Morgan said the defendant told an investigator that he didn’t have a cell, but later handed it over. “This has been going on for a while,” Morgan added, the activity goes back at least a year, with attempts to meet up with children 14 and 15 years old.

Investigator Ethan Annis, of the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office, said a cyber tip was received on July 11 detailing a sexual conversation that Shrieves allegedly had with a 14-year-old boy on Snapchat.

Shrieves admitted the username that was used belonged to him, Annis said. The investigator estimated the defendant had more than 100 conversations and saved videos with children of all races between the ages of 3 and 16, many of whom were being abused by adults.

A Wendy’s manager said Shrieves would keep his job at her business if he were given a bond. “He is a shift manager. One of my top managers. He is exceptional. He doesn’t come to work and talk about his business … outside of work.” Tammy Pruitt said Shrieves would never be left at the business alone; all the workers are at least 20 years old, and her boss agreed that he would continue to work there.

Family members said he would live with his grandmother in Bloxom if he got bond. Other living arrangements would be made for 12- and 15-year-old relatives, and the internet would be disconnected, so Shrieves would not have access. All said they would report any violations of the bond.

Jo Lynn Perry, of pretrial services, recommended bond but had concerns about internet access and children in the home. She said he was very respectful and honest, and unlike other clients, “he did not try to avoid us. He was engaging” when he saw her in public.