Prosecutors have accused Daniel James "D.J." Boyd of producing "visual depictions" of two girls engaged in "sexually explicit conduct" and possessing images of child pornography.
The charges, which stem from a West Valley City police investigation of an alleged sexual assault of two minors, were filed July 6 but were sealed until Tuesday, when Boyd was arraigned.
If convicted on both counts, the 27-year-old could face 40 years in prison.
The production of child pornography charge carries a 15-year mandatory minimum. A four-day jury trial was scheduled for Sept. 18 before U.S. District Judge Dee Benson.
Boyd also has been charged in Utah's 3rd District Court with one count of sexual exploitation of a minor, a second-degree felony, 11 counts of unlawful sex activity with a minor, a third-degree felony, and two counts of unlawful sale or supply of alcohol to minors, a class A misdemeanor.
Boyd allegedly had sex with one of the girls at least 10 times between April 1 and June 1 and once with the other girl between May 1 and June 1, according to a complaint filed in the state court.
A preliminary hearing on the state charges is scheduled for July 25.
Boyd was among 100 finalists out of 11,000 performers who made it to Los Angeles in 2004 to audition for "American Idol."
He was also selected as a finalist in the 2003 Utah auditions for "Star Search," according to his blog entries on www.Myspace.com.
He is being held in the Salt Lake County jail on $100,000 bail.
lrosetta@sltrib.com
