In Walton County, Georgia, a deputy was arrested as part of a statewide child pornography sting. On Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015, Walton County Chief Deputy Keith Brooks confirmed that U. McCullers had been fired. McCullers had been with the sheriff's office since 2004, according to Sheriff Joe Chapman.
McCullers, 37, of Bethlehem, and 17 others were arrested on child pornography charges following a comprehensive investigation involving over 30 law enforcement agencies, which involved:
- 24 search warrants executed
- 69 digital devices examined
- 232 devices seized
Operation Secret Guardian
The statewide investigation dubbed "Operation Secret Guardian," was launched in July with the targets being individuals who produce or create the demand for child pornography. According to authorities on the case, child pornography is essentially photographic evidence of the sexual assault of a child.
Among those arrested in Georgia, a tow truck driver, an engineer, and several individuals who worked in the restaurant and fast food industry. The suspects' ages ranged from 23 to 68.
Federal Child Pornography Charges
Images of child pornography are illegal under federal law. Under Section 2256 of Title 18, United States Code, child pornography is defined as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct of someone under the age of 18.
A visual depiction can be a photograph, video, digital or computer generated image, undeveloped film or video, or electronically stored data that can be converted into child pornography. Notably, sexually explicit conduct does not necessarily mean a child is engaging in sexual activity.
Additionally, age or consent is irrelevant as any depiction of a minor engaging in sexual activity is illegal under federal law.
A first offender convicted of producing child pornography under 18 U.SC. § 2251 faces 15 to 30 years in prison. If the child pornography images are violent, sadistic, or the child was sexually abused, the offender may face life in prison.
If you're facing child pornography charges, reach out to a criminal defense attorney.
