Artist: Karen Fletcher
Confronting Bodies: United State government (specifically the FBI and Attorney Generals office)
Date of Action: 2005-2006
Specific Location: Pennsylvania, USA
Description of Artwork: Karen Fletcher operates an internet website that features fictive stories that describe children being kidnapped, sexually molested, tortured and murdered. The graphic and disturbing stories on the site could be downloaded by purchasing a $10 monthly subscription. Fletcher calls her webpage a "fantasy site".
Description of Incident: In 2005 the FBI and US Attorney Generals office began investigating Fletcher's website. Concerned about the content of the site, government officials began filing charges against Fletcher and moving to have the site shut down. In September 2006, Fletcher was indicted on six counts of transportation of obscene matters over the internet.
Results of Incident: Fletcher was arraigned in federal court on October 17th, 2006. If convicted, she could face up to 30 years in prison and a $1.5 million fine. The case against Fletcher is pending.
Source: Pittsburgh Tribune, Post-Gazette.com
Submitted By: National Coalition Against Censorship