St. Johns County man facing 20 child porn charges, police say investigation continues

Police arrested a St. Johns County man on 20 counts of possession of child pornography, following a months-long online investigation. The man was arrested after police served a warrant at his home, according to a report in the Florida Times-Union. He remained in jail on a more than $200,000 bond awaiting trial, the newspaper reported. The man faces 20 counts of possession of child pornography. The charge is a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in state prison. So, if a judge choses to run the sentences consecutively, which he or she technically can, the man would be looking at up 100 years in prison in this St. Johns County Sex Crimes Case. Police also found drugs in the house and charged the man with possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana, a first-degree misdemeanor.

The drug charge, obviously, is the least of worries for the 29-year-old defendant. St. Johns County Sex Crimes are serious charges and have lifelong consequences for people who are convicted or plead guilty to the charges. If he is convicted or pleads guilty to any or all of the child pornography charges, he will be required to register as a sexual offender. In terms of lasting impact, St. Johns County Sex Crimes stick with someone publicly even more than someone convicted of murder. If a person is required to register as a sexual offender, they must check in with police at least twice a year. The more public piece comes in when the person moves to a different home or apartment. When that happens, neighbors in a small radius are all notified that a sexual offender has moved into the neighborhood. The notice includes the person’s name and a description of the crime that made the person register as a sexual offender. There are also restrictions, depending on the St. Johns County Sex Crime the person was convicted of or pleaded guilty to, that govern where the person can live – including distance from a school, playground or other places children congregate.

Police seized a computer when they executed the search warrant last month, the newspaper reported, which could put the defendant in a difficult position. In some St. Johns County Sex Crimes Cases, it is the word of the defendant against that of the alleged victim. In this case, however, the crime is having the images. Period. And if the state can prove that it was indeed the defendant who accessed or obtained the images, prosecutors have what they need. Our St. Johns County Sex Crimes Attorney has represented hundreds of defendants charges with sex crimes and knows all of the ramifications of having to register as a sexual offender and can advise you or your loved one of the consequences so you can make an informed decision on how to proceed with the case.

If you or a loved one needs a criminal defense attorney in Jacksonville or the surrounding area, call The Mussallem Law Firm at (904) 365-5200 for a FREE CONSULTATION. Our St. Johns County Sex Crimes Attorney, Victoria “Tori” Mussallem, is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.