Former CCSO Deputy Charged with Possession of Child Pornography as a Result of Project Safe Childhood

Whittel & Melton, LLC 866-608-5529 – Florida Sex Crimes Attorneys

A former Charlotte County Sheriff’s Deputy has been charged with possession of child pornography following an online investigation.

According to the criminal complaint, from April 26, 2012 through June 5, 2012, a task force agent conducted an Internet investigation under Project Safe Childhood targeting any individuals using peer to peer software to obtain and/or distribute child pornography. The investigation allegedly yielded an IP address identifying the 62-year-old Port Charlotte man as the subscriber.

A search warrant was executed to search the man’s home on June, 5, 2012. Agents apparently seized several computers and hard drives.

According to reports, a forensic preview allegedly revealed approximately 19 videos displaying child pornography.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice aimed at prosecuting individuals who sexually exploit and/or abuse children.

Sexual crimes related to child pornography are taken very seriously in Florida. These cases are usually multifaceted and generally require the use of a computer forensic expert. Most child porn images are distributed through the Internet using file sharing software known as peer to peer networks. Due to this, law enforcement pours numerous time and resources into monitoring peer to peer networks looking to identify any files that contain child porn. After obtaining an IP address, police can get a search warrant to search a suspect’s home and computer for evidence related to child porn. Even if an image was deleted, computer forensics can recover any child pornography files from the hard drive.

If you are facing any type of child pornography charges in Florida, it is important to seek the advice of a sex crimes defense attorney immediately. The Florida Sex Crimes Lawyers at Whittel & Melton understand the complexities associated with these cases and can mount a strong technical defense on your behalf. We can investigate whether the search and seizure of your computer files was legal and make sure any illegally obtained evidence is not used against you in court.

If you or someone you love is under investigation for a child pornography offense in Florida, or if charges have already been filed, contact the Florida Sex Crimes Lawyers at Whittel & Melton online or call us statewide and toll-free at 866-608-5529.