The internet is an interesting, complicated world. While it places easily accessible information at many users’ fingertips, there are also those who use it maliciously, including creating applications and websites intended to harm a person’s computer or potentially lead to criminal charges. Unfortunately, one man in Missouri was recently arrested on charges related to statutory sodomy and possession of child pornography after he claims videos automatically downloaded onto his tablet.
Reports indicate that the national Center for Missing and Exploited Children assigned cyber tips to the Western Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force. That task force, along with the local police department, followed one of the tips to a 40-year-old man. When confronted, the man reportedly told officers that he had accidentally downloaded multiple videos containing child pornography after clicking a black screen on an app he reportedly obtained from the Google Play Store. As a result, he was charged with possession of child pornography.
Soon after he was released on bond, he was taken back into custody. Officials claim that they discovered several other videos containing child pornography on his phone as well as videos of the man engaging in sexual activities with a 3-year-old. As a result, he has since been accused of sexual exploitation of a child, statutory sodomy and sexual misconduct.
The charges against the man are serious, and a conviction of the sodomy and other charges could result in significant consequences. Because most people in Missouri have little experience with responding to criminal charges in court, they seek guidance from an experienced professional. With such help, they are better prepared to make informed decisions regarding the direction their case will follow, including whether to accept a plea deal or fight the charges in court.
Source: sedaliademocrat.com, “Sedalia man charged with statutory rape, possession of child pornography”, May 22, 2017