70-Year-Old Man Arrested on Child Pornography Charges

Child pornography attracts people of all ages. While most users of these materials are middle-aged men, some are even older. Take, for example, a 70-year-old man in Maryland.

A man was arrested in Cecil County on December 22 for possessing and distributing child porn. Investigators with Maryland State Police had been investigating the man since October. The evidence they uncovered pointed to the 70-year-old man. They searched the man’s home in Elkton in the early morning hours. They looked at electronic devices and discovered child porn images. The man was arrested and now faces 10 counts of child porn possession as well as five counts of child porn distribution.

Penalties for Child Porn Crimes

Child porn crimes are punished quite harshly, as they are often considered both state and federal crimes. Even a first-time offender can face up to 20 years in prison. If state charges apply, then a first offense could result in five years in prison and a $2,500 fine. Maryland law applies to children under 16 years old. It refers to visual depictions of a child who is sexually aroused, engaged in sexual conduct or subjected to sadomasochism.

Aggravated child porn charges can result in even longer prison sentences and even lifetime sentences. Aggravated child porn may include violent images as well as sexual abuse. If a person in possession of child porn has prior criminal convictions, they could also face harsher sentences.

Child Porn Defenses

Not everyone who is arrested on child porn charges is convicted. That’s because there are some ways a person can defend themselves. A good defense, however, requires an experienced lawyer.

One common defense is that the person is not in possession of the child porn. The materials could be downloaded onto a shared computer, such as one in a household or at a workplace, by one person and then they could claim that someone else did it. This often happens in revenge situations, such as by an angry spouse or employee.

Another defense is that the content does not feature children. In most cases, it is clear when an image or video depicts child porn. However, some adults look like teenagers, so there could be some question as to whether or not the subjects of the photos are over the age of 18.

There is also unintended possession. This occurs when someone clicks a link in their email or visits a website and accidentally views child porn. While this situation is not common, it can happen and cause someone to face child porn charges.

Contact a Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney Today

Child porn laws are very strict in Maryland and other states. That’s because this crime victimizes children and can cause a lifetime of emotional pain.

Don’t handle child porn charges on your own. Seek aggressive representation from a Columbia child custody lawyer at the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, P.A. He will fight on your behalf. To schedule a free consultation, fill out the online form or call (410) 774-5987. We have two offices to serve you.

Resource:

foxbaltimore.com/news/local/child-porn-arrest-12-22-2020