Two Virginia men were arrested on charges related to child pornography. According to the Danville Police Department, they investigated a potential child pornography tip from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), a federal Department of Justice program, in late December 2023.

The tip led to multiple charges against a 28-year-old man, including one felony count of distribution of child pornography and 35 felony counts of possession of child pornography.

The suspect was most recently employed as a manager at a well-known educational institute in Virginia. However, his name has since been removed from the staff directory listing on the school's website. The suspect's LinkedIn profile shows that he has been a local educator for six years.

Police have also investigated another tip from the task force in early December 2023. The tip led to multiple charges against an 18-year-old man, including 39 felony counts of possession of child pornography.

Authorities also said, a third individual has charges pending. They said all images related to these investigations were digital in nature. There is no indication of physical contact or involvement with any local children. Bobby Allen Roach "Two Danville men face child porn charges" https://www.chathamstartribune.com/news/article_b59a996a-b187-11ee-b8b3-b3fd38973b2d.html (Jan. 12, 2024).

Commentary and Checklist

The U.S. Department of Justice defines and discusses child pornography as "a stimulation device, a method of intimidation and of luring children into sexual activity, and as a link to sexual exploitation of children."

Child sexual abuse material (CSAM) is legally known as child pornography. "It refers to any content that depicts sexually explicit activities involving a child." Child pornography is a crime. This includes the making of it, as well as possessing or distributing it.

What should a safe adult do it they come across child pornography?

• If you find it on someone else's phone or computer, preserve any evidence, if possible.

• If you find it on the internet, note the name of the website, chat room, or newsgroup where you saw the suspected child pornography.

• A report can be made online at the NCMEC CyberTipline or via the phone at 1-800-843-5678.

• If you receive child pornography through unsolicited e-mail, note the sender's screen name and ISP (Internet Service Provider) and forward the entire message (do not copy and paste) to the FBI.

• DO NOT download the child pornography yourself in order to help the FBI. You may not download such an image to your hard drive, disk, or printer without breaking the law.

• Rely on law enforcement to conduct the investigation into the crime.

• Assist authorities with their investigation, if requested.