Over 70 people were arrested in a major child porn operation in New York this week, including seemingly respectable members of the community. Among the suspects are a police officer, an architect, a Boy Scout leader, and a rabbi. The five week investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, which is a subsection of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
70 men and one woman were arrested in the massive sweep, many of which being accused of searching for and then downloading images of children engaged in various sexual positions and sexual acts. Some of the suspects, however, were charged with producing child pornography. For example, one suspect is alleged to have secretly filmed his children's friends using hidden cameras, while the woman suspect was accused of allowing her son to be videotaped.
Though the operation was meant to send a message to producers and consumers of child porn, it also sent shock waves through the city of New York as a result of the relatively high percentage of trusted community leaders who were rounded up in the operation. For example, the rabbi who was arrested reportedly home schooled children, while the Boy Scout leader also had access to kids.
In order to conduct the bust, agents reportedly created a "digital dragnet" in May, posing as anonymous collectors and traders of child pornography. Through the network the agents were able to identify suspects' IP addresses, and track them down.
Possession and distribution of child pornography are crimes that carry serious consequences. If convicted, even a first time offender could face a minimum of five years in federal prison. When a person becomes aware that they are being investigated for child pornography, the y should immediately exercise their right to remain silent and contact a criminal defense lawyer experienced in handling child pornography cases.
As criminal defense lawyers we must do everything possible to defend our clients. In child pornography cases, a major part of that defense is working diligently to protect the client from the statutory minimum sentences associated with these types of offenses. This is achieved by having a full understanding of child pornography laws, and through effective negotiations with prosecutors.
If you or someone you know has been charged with child pornography in New York, contact our premier defense firm without delay. Attorney Benjamin Perez is an aggressive litigator and he has a track record of proven results. Call H. Benjamin Perez & Associates, P.C. now. We are available to answer your call 24/7.