Louisiana residents who are accused of engaging in online child pornography face a very difficult battle. The mere accusation of these crimes is enough to cause serious damage to one’s personal and professional lives. The penalties that come to those who are convicted are much, much more serious.
Recently, a New Orleans city employee was arrested faces more than 200 charges related to child pornography. The 64-year-old man, who works for the city as a geographic information systems analyst, was quickly placed on a 120-day suspension from his job without pay, while his employers wait to hear more about the criminal investigation. The man has been held in jail in lieu of paying a bond set at $202,000.
According to police, the man searched, downloaded and possessed child pornography in still images and video on his computer and other digital devices. Police said that some of the children pictured may have been as young as 3 years old.
In addition to the charges of possessing child pornography, the man also faces charges of video voyeurism. Police said he also took photos of children in public places such as the New Orleans Zoo.
Those charged with online child pornography may face both state and federal charges. If convicted, they face large fines and long prison sentences. Even after their release, they may be listed on the National Sex Offender Registry, which will interfere with their employment and housing options for decades to come.
Because the consequences are so serious, it’s important that those accused have the strongest defense they can under the circumstances. Attorneys with experience defending these cases can help the accused to assess their options and build the best strategy they can.
Source: NOLA.com, “N.O. city employee arrested on 202 counts of child pornography,” Helen Freund, Feb. 26, 2014