SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — A joint investigation by Homeland Safety Investigations, generally referred to as HSI, and native regulation enforcement has resulted within the indictment of an Ava, Missouri man who allegedly produced baby pornography. Investigators found that images of the kid sufferer’s sexual assault have been hidden behind a wall of the person’s former residence whereas it was being torn down.
A federal grand jury indicted Harold Lloyd Blair Jr., 66, in Springfield on Dec. 6, with one depend of utilizing a minor to supply baby pornography. The indictment alleges that Blair used the kid to supply pornography from Jan. 1, 2012, to Dec. 31, 2013.
The investigation started Dec. 2, when Douglas County, Missouri staff found a submitting cupboard containing baby pornography in a home they have been tearing down. After tearing right into a wall with heavy gear, staff found the cupboard and contacted the Douglas County Sheriff’s Division. Investigators realized that Blair had bought the home to the county.
The Douglas County prosecutor’s workplace initially filed state prices in opposition to Blair however will dismiss them in gentle of the federal indictment.
Prices in an indictment are accusations and never proof of guilt. Prosecutors should present proof supporting the cost to a federal trial jury, whose responsibility is to find out guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Lawyer Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by HSI, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Division; the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Activity Power; and the West Plains, Missouri Police Division with help from the Douglas County prosecuting lawyer.
Challenge Secure Childhood
This case was introduced as a part of Challenge Secure Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in Could 2006 by the Division of Justice to fight the rising epidemic of kid sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the USA attorneys’ places of work and the Legal Division’s Youngster Exploitation and Obscenity Part, Challenge Secure Childhood marshals federal, state and native assets to find, apprehend and prosecute people who sexually exploit youngsters, and to establish and rescue victims. For extra details about Challenge Secure Childhood, please go to https://www.justice.gov/psc. For extra details about Web security schooling, please go to https://www.justice.gov/psc and click on on the “Sources” tab.
Homeland Safety Investigations
HSI is a directorate of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Division of Homeland Safety, or DHS, liable for investigating transnational crime and threats, particularly these felony organizations that exploit the worldwide infrastructure by way of which worldwide commerce, journey and finance transfer. HSI’s workforce of over 10,400 staff consists of greater than 6,800 particular brokers assigned to 225 cities all through the USA, and 93 abroad areas in 56 international locations. HSI’s worldwide presence represents DHS’ largest investigative regulation enforcement presence overseas and one of many largest worldwide footprints in U.S. regulation enforcement.
Be taught extra about HSI’s mission to fight baby exploitation in your neighborhood on Twitter @HSIKansasCity.
