PORTLAND — A Lewiston man made his first appearance Tuesday in U.S. District Court on a charge of sexual exploitation of a child.

Derek Hinkley, 29, allegedly used his computer last summer to webstream images of a teenage boy masturbating. Hinkley is accused of threatening the boy if he did not comply.

He did not enter a plea.

Hinkley, also known as Ethan Hinkley, is accused of forcing two boys, ages 12 and 15, to follow his instructions July 18, according to court documents. Images of the older teen but none of the younger boy were webstreamed.

The victims reported the incident to police July 19 and Hinkley’s computers were seized the same day, according to court documents. He was arrested by Lewiston police and indicted by the Androscoggin County grand jury on two counts of criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon.

Those charges have been dismissed now that the federal charge has been filed, according to the U.S. attorney’s office.

U.S. Magistrate Judge John H. Rich III on Tuesday ordered Hinkley to be held temporarily without bail. A detention hearing is scheduled to be held Friday in federal court in Portland.

Federal prosecutors have asked that Hinkley be held without bail until his case is resolved.

If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison. He also could be ordered to pay a $250,000 fine.

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