An HSI Philadelphia-led investigation landed a New Jersey sheriff’s deputy in prison for child pornography offenses.
Former Middlesex County sheriff's deputy Joshua Padilla, 37, of Eatontown, N.J., was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for creating, disseminating and possessing child pornography as a result of an investigation run by Homeland Security Investigations' Philadelphia field office, according to a Dec. 6 news release.
"Rescuing the victims of exploitation will always be one of HSI’s most sacred responsibilities, especially those in vulnerable populations such as minor children. The fact that this crime occurred at the hands of a sworn law enforcement officer makes it that much more egregious," HSI Philadelphia Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker said in the release.
According to the release, Padilla drove a 17-year-old female to Northampton County in Pennsylvania, where he recorded himself having unlawful sexual contact with her. The investigation revealed he uploaded a portion of that video to a social media platform.
"HSI and our partners in the Pennsylvania State Police will relentlessly pursue child predators, especially those in positions of trust and authority," Walker added, according to the release. "I am very proud of the HSI special agents, PSP troopers, and assistant U.S. attorneys that brought this investigation to a conclusion and ultimately served justice for the victim."
