By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

COLUMBIANA – A 31-year-old Alabaster man is facing up to life in prison after a Shelby County grand jury returned a one-count indictment upholding a count of producing child pornography against him.

A Shelby County grand jury returned the one-count indictment during its August session, upholding the felony charge originally brought against Chiao Pu Chang on March 17.

The Alabaster Police Department arrested Chang in March and charged him with one felony count of producing child pornography. Chang was released from the Shelby County Jail the same day he was arrested after posting a $15,000 bond.

According to his arrest warrant, Chang allegedly took explicit photographs of an underage victim between Jan. 1, 2013, and March 31, 2013.

During a Sept. 25 hearing in Shelby County Circuit Court, Chang entered a plea of not guilty to the charge, and waived his right to an arraignment hearing. He his now scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 30 at 8:30 a.m. for a status call.

Production of child pornography is a Class A felony, which is the highest classification for felonies in Alabama law. If convicted, Chang could face up to life in prison.