STATE POLICE ARREST BALTIMORE MAN FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

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

Jason Barron, 21, of the 300 block of South Baylis Street in Baltimore was charged on Thursday with two counts of possessing and two counts of distributing child pornography. If convicted, Barron faces up to 30 years in prison and/or $55,000 in fines.

In January, 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 Barron.

Early Thursday morning, state police investigators executed a search warrant at Barron’s Baltimore residence. The search yielded several 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.

Barron was arrested and transported to the Baltimore Central Booking and Intake Center. He is being pending an initial appearance before a Court Commissioner.

Police urge anyone with information relevant to Barron’s possession of child pornography, to call the Computer Crimes Unit at 410-953-8200. Calls will remain anonymous and confidential.

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.