4 Charged With Child Porn Possession

Child porn, is illegal, which is precisely why many people are attracted to it.

Four people in Maryland were recently arrested and charged with possession of child pornography. Two men and two boys were arrested after Howard County police received multiple tips from the Maryland Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. The agencies came across child porn for sale online and alerted authorities.

All four were arrested in July after an investigation that lasted several months. The two men arrested were Nicholas David Gehringer, 29, of Glenwood, and Jawad Hyder Wagan, 32, of Columbia. Gehringer has been charged with four counts of child pornography possession, while Wagan was charged with 10 counts of child porn possession. Two boys from Laurel were also arrested and charged with child porn. The suspects allegedly did not create the child pornography not did they personally know the victims.

How Can Minors Be Charged With Child Porn?

When you think of people being attracted to child porn, you may think of adults, especially men. However, even children can be arrested for child porn possession. But how? This happens a lot with sexting. Many teens send and receive nude photos of themselves and classmates. While this may seem innocent enough to them, it’s actually a crime. It’s considered child porn, even if the minor depicted in the pictures willingly sent the photos to another minor.

It is possible that a teen would have photos of a young minor – like a child under the age of 10 – engaged in sexually explicit poses. However, for the most part, when a teen is charged with child porn, it is because of photos they are exchanging with someone their own age, such as a boyfriend, girlfriend or classmate. It is not usually because they have an interest in child porn.

Regardless of how the person received the images, child porn is prosecuted harshly in Maryland. Even a first-time offender can face felony charges. A first offense can result in 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine. The second violation is punishable by a $50,000 fine and up to 20 years in prison. These criminal charges can greatly impact a teen about to graduate high school and embark on a college education.

Contact a Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney Today

Child porn is a common crime that can impact anyone. Even minors can be arrested and charged with child porn crimes.

If you have been caught with child porn, you need an aggressive advocate on your side. The Columbia child pornography lawyers at the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, P.A. will provide you with a solid defense. Schedule a consultation today by filling out the online form or calling (410) 774-5987. We have two offices to serve you.

Resource:

baltimore.cbslocal.com/2020/07/31/4-charged-including-2-juvenile-boys-in-selling-child-pornography-in-howard-county/

https://www.marylandlawhelp.com/glen-burnie-man-arrested-on-child-porn-charges/