The Internet has certainly changed the world in which we live. Virtually anything can be found online and that includes millions of images of child pornography. What once used to be hidden away in homes is now found all over the Internet.
According to federal statistics, child exploitation and pornography cases have increased. Between 2007 and 2012, over 11,447 people have been charged with such sex crimes as the sexual exploitation of a minor. According to a review of public reports and records, in the past 10 years, at least 22 federal, state and local employees have been convicted of child sex crimes involving child pornography to violent acts against infants.
Some of those who were convicted include:
— A foreign services officer, who is serving 20 years for possession of child porn.
— A former CIA station chief was sentenced to federal prison for over five years for raping a Muslim woman after drugging her, as well as having possession of a firearm while he was using cocaine.
— A Bureau of Diplomatic Security former special agent is serving seven years for possession child pornography.
— Six former employees with the Department of Homeland Security are serving time for a variety of sex crimes, including soliciting sex with minors, possession of child porn and human sex-trafficking.
According to one child sex abuse case researcher, “Child porn within our government agencies has reached crisis level.” However, the researcher has also found that many men are using their work computers to download child porn.
Charges involving sex crimes against children are some of the most difficult to defend against. In many cases, the media determines that the defendant is guilty before he or she even heads to trial. No matter what charges someone may face, it’s important to remember that everyone is entitled to a fair and impartial trial. An experienced North Carolina criminal defense attorney can ensure that a defendant’s rights are not violated before, during or after arrest.
Source: The Daily Beast, “The Sickening Child Porn Crisis Infecting U.S. Government Agencies,” Shane Harris, March. 16, 2015