By CASSANDRA MICKENS / Associate Editor

HOOVER — A Hoover man charged with producing child pornography, distributing child pornography and sodomy in Shelby County now faces six additional charges in connection to a molestation case involving a young female victim.

The U.S. Marshal’s Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested Jason Michael Hankins, 32, at an Avanti Lane residence Dec. 18 at 8:30 p.m., according to a Hoover police news release. Hankins was transported to the Jefferson County Jail with bonds totaling $6 million. His new charges include first-degree rape, first-degree sodomy, production of child pornography, first-degree sexual abuse, sexual abuse of a child less than 12 years of age and electronic solicitation of a child.

Hankins was first arrested at the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Dec. 13. A sheriff’s deputy was dispatched to a Westover residence Dec. 6 to take a report of sexual abuse of a minor child. Sheriff’s investigators say there was a pre-existing family relationship between the victim and Hankins.

The sheriff’s office charged Hankins with one count production obscene matter containing visual depiction of person under 17 years of age involved in obscene act with a $60,000 bond, one count of first-degree sodomy with a $60,000 bond and one count material harmful to minors-distribution with a $3,000 bond. Hankins was released from the Shelby County Jail after posting bond. According to court documents, Hankins is scheduled to appear at a preliminary hearing before Shelby County Circuit Judge Dan Reeves Jan. 15 at 8:30 a.m. at the Shelby County Courthouse in Columbiana.

Hoover detectives obtained warrants Dec. 18 for crimes committed by Hankins within the Hoover police jurisdiction. A high bond amount was requested because of the horrific nature of the offenses, the age of the victim and the need to protect the community and other potential victims.

Hankins recently resigned as an employee at the Family Life Center at Shades Crest Baptist Church.

While the Shelby County charges and the Hoover case involve the same victim, there is the possibility of additional victims. Anyone with further information concerning Hankins and other victims is urged to call Hoover police Sgt. Lennie Sams at (205) 739-6833.