Bel Air, Maryland Music Teacher Arrested On Child Pornography Charges

Maryland State Police have arrested a 27-year-old Bel Air man and charged him with 11 counts related to the possession and distribution of child pornography. Earlier this year, detectives with the Harford County Child Advocacy Center received a tip regarding suspicious internet activity. Specifically, the tip centered around the downloading of multiple sexually explicit images of children that appeared to depict children between the ages of 1 and 13 years old.

Detectives investigating the tip identified the suspect and developed additional probable cause leading to search and seizure warrants being issued. On August 18, 2024, detectives served the court-ordered search warrants, and the suspect was taken into custody, at his home, without incident and transported to the Harford County Detention Center.

Police say that at the time of his arrest, the suspect was employed with the Harford County Public Schools as an elementary school music teacher at the George D. Lisby Elementary School.

According to the investigation, the suspect admitted to routinely downloading photos of children that under Maryland law, constituted child pornography. In addition to downloading and possessing child sex abuse materials, the suspect also admitted to sharing the photos online with other adults.

After a bail hearing on August 19, 2024, the suspect was ordered to be held without bail at the Harford County Detention Center. Although an arrest has already been made, the investigation continues to be active, according to police. The investigation will continue with the assistance of the Sheriff’s Office Digital Forensics Unit.

Child pornography laws in Maryland 

Both state and federal authorities can prosecute crimes related to child pornography. Penalties can lead to years behind bars and substantial fines that can run into six figures. Generally speaking, the investigation begins without the suspect being aware of it. The moment you become aware of being under investigation, you should employ the aid of a seasoned Bel Air, Maryland criminal defense lawyer.

Possession of child pornography in Maryland 

Maryland Code Section 11-208 defines the crime of possessing child pornography. Under Maryland law, if you possess any visual depiction of a child under the age of 16 that includes sadomasochistic abuse or shows the child in a state of sexual excitement, you can be charged under the statute. Penalties include:

• Up to five years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $2,500 for a first offense
• Up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine as high as $10,000.

In this case, the suspect is accused of both possession and distribution of child pornography. Penalties for a first offense include imprisonment of up to 10 years and/or a fine of up to $25,000. Further convictions can bring a prison sentence of up to 20 years and a fine of up to $50,000 or both.

Talk to a Bel Air, MD Criminal Defense Attorney Today 

Schlaich & Thompson, Chartered represent the interests of those who have been accused of serious crimes in Bel Air, Maryland. Call our Bel Air criminal lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin discussing defense strategy immediately.

Source:

nottinghammd.com/2024/08/20/harford-county-music-teacher-arrested-on-child-pornography-charges/