Elkridge man charged with multiple counts of possession and distribution of child pornography
On April 28, law enforcement officials in Maryland reported on the arrest of a Howard County man on Thursday, after a Maryland State Police Computer Crimes Unit investigation developed evidence of possession and distribution of child pornography. Police identified their suspect as William Gomes, 41, of Elkridge, Maryland.
Gomes has been charged with 10 counts of possession of child pornography, 3 counts of distribution of child pornography and one count creating a computer image of an apparent child engaged in sexual conduct. Gomes was transported to the Howard County Department of Corrections for processing.
Background: Beginning in February 2023, the Maryland State Police Computer Crimes Unit initiated an online investigation into the possession and distribution of child pornography online. On April 27, members of the Maryland State Police Computer Crimes Unit, the Maryland State Police Child Recovery Unit, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Maryland State Police Waterloo Barrack and the Howard County Police Department, served a search and seizure warrant at Gomes’ residence.
A preliminary forensic review of his electronic devices seized at the scene revealed multiple child pornography files. Following that discovery, Gomes was taken into custody.
The Maryland State Police Computer Crimes Unit coordinates the Maryland Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. This is a combined law enforcement effort involving police departments across Maryland that is made possible in part due to grant funds provided by the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth and Victim Services, and by a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. Task force investigators focus on identifying those involved in child pornography via the Internet and other related crimes that victimize children.
(Source and William Gomes booking photos: Maryland State Police)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Follow Richard on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram
