Possession and promotion of child pornography are serious criminal charges that can have a devastating effect on a person’s reputation and career. Just north of Dallas, a Texas man was recently arrested and charged with possessing child pornography. Defending against charges such as this and protecting the rights of the defendant requires a prompt evaluation of the evidence and ongoing investigation, including the basis for a search warrant.
According to an email from its spokesperson, a tip was provided to the Collin County Sheriff’s Department that a user was uploading pornography involving children to an online account. Officials allegedly tracked down the computer and obtained a search warrant to raid the home of the defendant. Assisted by local police, officers with the county’s Child Abuse Task Force allegedly discovered 41 images containing child pornography in the jail guard’s home.
Jail records show the alleged sex offender is being held on $50,000 bond. The 53-year-old, employed as a guard since 2008, has not been fired at this time. The spokesman didn’t comment on the potential for future disciplinary action.
Reportedly, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children informed the Dallas Police Department that the images had allegedly been uploaded from one of the defendant’s email accounts, utilizing an internet sky drive.
Developing a sound defense strategy can minimize the long-term consequences that may result if the maximum penalties are assessed at trial. Negotiations with prosecutors are also valuable when avoiding a trial is the chosen defense option. No matter what type of crime is involved, expertise and planning are helpful in working towards a better outcome.
Source: All Voices, “Texas jail guard charged with possessing child pornography” Stephen Pope, Apr. 11, 2014