MARYLAND STATE POLICE ARREST PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY MAN ON CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

(Forestville, MD) The Maryland State Police Computer Crimes Unit arrested a Prince George’s County resident this morning in connection with the possession and distribution of child pornography.

The accused is identified as Chandler Earl Vines, 22, of the 7000 block of Flag Harbor Drive in Forestville. He is charged with two counts each of distribution and possession of child pornography. If convicted, Vines faces to up to 30 years in prison.

The Maryland State Police Computer Crimes Section began this investigation in April after receiving information from the Air Force Office of Special Investigations at Andrews Air Force Base. Air Force investigators located a suspect computer sharing child pornography on a peer-to-peer network. That information was given to a State Police investigator who was able to trace the activity back to Vines’ Flag Harbor address.

A search warrant was executed early this morning. A preliminary review of a computer owned by Vines revealed the presence of child pornography. A detailed computer forensic examination will be conducted on all seized equipment at a later date.

Vines was processed at the Forestville Barrack. He is currently awaiting an initial appearance before a Prince George’s County Court Commissioner for a bond hearing.

The Computer Crimes Unit’s primary mission is to protect children from computer-facilitated sexual exploitation. The unit works cooperatively with law enforcement agencies and prosecutors to provide resources to combat these crimes. The unit is also charged with helping to prevent the spread of these crimes through education and community awareness.