TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA - Adam Arnold, 44, of Tallahasseewassentenced to serve 108 months in federal prison today for receiving and distributing child pornography. Arnold was working as an information technology technician at Buck Lake Elementary School when he was arrested on Sept. 13, 2012.
The case began when an internet service provider alerted law enforcement to illicit images being sent to and from Arnold’s home computer. A search warrant revealed approximately 15,000 child pornography images hidden in Arnold’s personal computer. Arnold admitted that he was posting and receiving child pornography through a website based in Russia.
The Court reviewed 49 pages of victim impact statements filed on behalf of approximately two dozen children who were depicted in the seized images. The court commented that their injuries were substantial and long-lasting.
In addition to the nine years of incarceration, United States District Judge Robert L. Hinkle imposed a life term of supervised release. While on supervised release, Arnold must register as a sex offender, must seek counseling as a sex offender, and must submit to searches of his computer and other property by his probation officer. Judge Hinkle also ordered that all of the computer equipment and electronic media seized be forfeited to the United States.
U.S. Attorney Marsh expressed her gratitude to Homeland Security Investigations, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tallahassee Police Department, whose joint work led to the successful investigation and prosecution. She added: “The safety and well-being of our children is a top priority for the Department of Justice. Our office will continue to aggressively prosecute these cases to protect the community and children, who are our most innocent victims." Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael T. Simpson prosecuted this case.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
