OWINGS, Md. (July 28, 2010) – Members of the Maryland State Police Computer Crimes Unit have arrested a Calvert County man in connection with the possession and distribution of child pornography.
The accused is identified as Paul C. Stanley, 20, of the 600-block of Sycamore Lane, Owings, Md. Stanley was charged Tuesday with four counts of distributing child pornography, one count of making a false statement to a police officer, and one count of obstructing and hindering. If convicted, Stanley could be sentenced up to 41 years in prison and/or $100,000 in fines.
Earlier this month, a trooper assigned to the Maryland Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force began the investigation after identifying a computer on the Internet that was offering pornographic videos of children for others to download. Troopers were able to trace the computer back to Stanley.
Early this morning, investigators executed a search warrant at Stanley’s Owings residence. The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office provided assistance during the search warrant and investigation.
Investigators made contact with Stanley at another residence and seized computers and other evidence. Stanley was arrested and is being held at the Calvert County Detention Center waiting to see a court commissioner for a bond hearing.
The Maryland Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is comprised of police agencies from around the state. Its primary mission is to protect children from computer-facilitated sexual exploitation. The Task Force works cooperatively with law enforcement agencies and prosecutors to provide resources to combat these crimes. Additionally, the Task Force provides community awareness campaigns helping to prevent the spread of these crimes through education.
Source: Maryland State Police, HQ