Child Porn Suspect Appears in Court, Hiding Under Coat

A North Hills woman accused of posing in 11-year-old photos depicting child pornography faced a federal judge for the first time Tuesday.

Letha Mae Montemayor, 52, apparently suffered a medical problem, described as a seizure by the Daily News, and was seated in a wheelchair when she appeared Tuesday, her face hidden beneath a coat, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carla Woehrle. Arraignment was set for Feb. 13.

In court, Montemayor peeked out from under the coat only when responding to questions.

Montemayor is charged with one federal count each of conspiracy to produce child pornography and producing child porn. The charges carry a maximum prison term of 60 years, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

She was arrested outside a North Hills apartment complex Thursday evening by federal and local authorities, less than 10 hours after federal prosecutors released photographs of an unidentified man and woman, known only as "Jane Doe" and "John Doe."

At a news conference Thursday, law enforcement officials said the photos were taken about 11 years ago.

By 2 p.m. that day, someone had called a tip line, and more tips followed, leading authorities to Montemayor.

The identity and whereabouts of the man involved in the case, believed to be 40-50 years of age, has not been determined.

Tips related to the man, however, have been received. His face was purposely obscured in images displayed by federal agents.

The charges involve a widely circulated series of child porn images -- known as the "Jen" series -- believed to have been taken in 2001 in Encino and elsewhere in the region.

The series of images in the case show a male and female adult sexually molesting a girl who appears to be about 13. The girl's name has not been determined, but officials have been calling her "Jen."

Five images in the series depict the woman sexually abusing the girl, while 14 images show the man engaged in sexual activity with the child, federal prosecutors said.

Anyone with more information about the investigation was urged to call (866) 347-2423 or submit it via http://www.ice.gov/tips.