Hyattsville Man Charged With Child Pornography

(Hyattsville, MD) – Members of the Maryland State Police Computer Crimes Unit have arrested a Hyattsville man in connection with the possession and distribution of child pornography.

Martin Columbus Savage, 25, of the 1500 block of Brightseat Road was charged today with ten counts of possessing child pornography. If convicted, Savage could be sentenced up to 20 years in prison and/or $25,000 in fines.

In March, 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 Savage. Early this morning, investigators executed a search warrant at Savage’s Hyattsville residence. The search yielded two computers and multiple data storage devices. A preliminary analysis of the seized computers led to the discovery of child pornography. A complete forensic examination of the computers will be conducted which could lead to additional charges.

Savage was arrested and processed at the Maryland State Police Forestville Barracks. He was released to the Prince George’s County Detention Center awaiting an initial appearance before the Court Commissioner.

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.