According to Maryland State Police, a Carroll County man has been taken into custody on child pornography charges. The defendant was taken into custody on March 11 following an investigation that spanned several months into a file-sharing network that allegedly exchanged child pornography. The computer activity was traced to the defendant’s residence in Westminster by an investigator with the Maryland Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Law enforcement conducted a search of the defendant’s home and reportedly discovered digital evidence that he had been distributing child pornography on the internet and that he was in possession of child pornography. In addition, officers reportedly discovered multiple items of digital media, including DVDs, cameras and computers. The digital media will be examined by forensic experts. The defendant was taken into custody on March 11 and was charged with 10 counts of possession of child pornography and four counts of distribution of child pornography. The defendant is being held at the Carroll County Detention Center.
A conviction on child pornography charges may have life-long negative consequences. Someone convicted of distributing child pornography may have to register as a sex offender for life and be restricted with regard to residence and employment. For this reason, it is very important that someone charged with such a serious offense be given a fair trial.
A criminal defense lawyer may work to ensure that a defendant receives a fair and balanced trial. If there is a chance that the wrong person has been charged, the lawyer may conduct an independent investigation to unearth additional evidence that may demonstrate the defendant’s innocence. If no such evidence is found, the defendant may choose to accept a plea agreement.
Source: WBAL, “Westminster man arrested in child porn investigation”, Greg Ng, March 12, 2014
