A former drug prosecutor in the state attorney general's office is facing child pornography charges.

A federal grand jury in Bangor returned a 16-count indictment charging James M. Cameron, 46, with transporting, receiving and possessing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Paula Silsby announced in a release Tuesday.

Cameron, formerly of Hallowell, was an assistant attorney general in charge of the state's drug prosecutors. He was fired in April following a four-month personnel investigation.

The charges against Cameron carry a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, or both, Silsby said.

An indictment is not a determination of guilt, but it is an indication that sufficient evidence is present to proceed with formal charges and a trial.

Cameron was scheduled to have his first appearance in federal court in Bangor Tuesday afternoon.