NEW ORLEANS – Federal authorities arrested a Norco man Wednesday in connection with crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children, according to a release from U.S. Attorney Jim Letten.

Jason Long, 35, had previously been named in a two-count indictment on March 1 that alleged he received and possessed digital images depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The indictment was sealed until Long’s arrest Wednesday, according to the release.

According to the indictment, for an unknown period prior to Oct. 17, 2011, Long knowingly received and possessed digital images depicting the sexual exploitation of minors that were contained on two computers and hard drives within his home. Both computers have since been turned over to federal investigators.

Special agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation have been assigned to the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.

Lead by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children. Their resources also identify and rescue potential victims.

For more information about the program, visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.

If convicted, Long faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, followed by up to a life term of supervised release, and a $500,000 fine. He can also be required to register as a sex offender.

Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg is handling prosecution.