It is impossible to exaggerate how serious child pornography charges can be on the state and federal level. Any Internet-related charges, like possession of child porn, are highly likely to be charged as federal crimes.
Four Broward County men, including two sex offenders, were arrested by federal authorities on Tuesday for possession of child pornography.
One man, 22, of Pompano Beach, FL, is accused of downloading child porn onto a computer between November 2010 and March 2011. According to reports, he was convicted in May 2010 of the same charges and is currently a registered sex offender.
Another Pompano Beach man, 41, allegedly downloaded explicit images of children between November 2010 and June 2011. State records show the man became a sex offender following a conviction in April 2003 on a lewd and lascivious exhibition charge.
According to the Sun-Sentinel, both men face other charges of distribution and receipt of child pornography.
A 27-year-old Pembroke Pines man and a 53-year-old Cooper City man were also arrested for possession of child porn. Both men allegedly downloaded illegal images earlier this month.
According to Fort Lauderdale investigators, the men were supposedly discovered through file sharing web sites and message boards that accommodate pedophiles.
Being arrested for child pornography, whether it’s for possession, production or distribution can be overwhelming to say the least. It has become a trend for federal agents in Florida and throughout the country to arrest people on child porn charges after they have found individuals downloading illegal content through file sharing sites and online communication forums. Once they think they have tracked a person engaging in suspicious activity they will track the IP address which will identify the person who subscribed for the Internet service, not necessarily the person who participated in illegal behavior. It is entirely possible for other people to steal unsecured Wi-Fi in the area and download or distribute child porn, which could be traced back to your computer and ultimately lead to your arrest.
The knowledgeable Florida Sex Crimes Defense Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can further investigate your distinct situation. A conviction for a federal sex crime carries harsh consequences, including lengthy incarceration periods and lifetime registration as a sex offender. The trial lawyers at Whittel & Melton understand the federal system and will fight at every stage of the process to secure your future.
If you have been accused of downloading, possessing or distributing child pornography in south Florida or throughout the state, contact the Florida Sex Crimes Defense Attorneys at Whittel & Melton online or dial us toll-free at 866-608-5529.