A public defense attorney from Ohio was arrested this week for possession of child pornography. According to authorities, the man was arrested on Aug. 16 and charged with two felony counts of pandering obscenity of a minor.
A search warrant was executed by Grandview Heights police at the home of Stephen Chinn, 39, who works as a public defender at the Franklin County Public Defender’s Office, Fox News reported.
There, police reportedly discovered images of young girls who had been sexually exploited, after initial reports of indecent depictions of minors were received by Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children unit on August 2, court records show.
The records revealed that the initial tip-off pointed to two separate files. One of the files included a collage photo with around a dozen images.
The city announced Chinn’s arrest on their Facebook page the same day. He is currently being held at Franklin County jail.
“This morning detectives with the Grandview Heights Division of Police conducted a residential search warrant at 935 Quay Avenue as part of an investigation into the possession of child pornography,” according to the post.
The city explained that electronic evidence was recovered at the scene depicting pre-pubescent females engaged in sexual acts. An in-depth investigation into the matter is currently underway, which may result in more charges against Chinn—depending on the outcome of the investigation.
“Investigators observed numerous files believed to be illegal images and/or videos of juveniles in a state of nudity or being sexually abused,” according to the statement.
Multiple electronic devices were seized from Chinn’s home, but there is currently no indication that Chinn was acquainted with any of the victims.
“At this time, there is no reason to believe the suspect had direct contact with any juveniles depicted in the images observed by law enforcement,” the city said in a statement.
Before joining Franklin County Public Defender’s office, Chinn was previously employed at private law firm Burkett and Sanderson of Licking County, Ohio. He was due for his first court appearance on August 17, the Columbus Dispatch reported.
NTD reached out to the Franklin County Public Defender’s Office for a statement, but has not yet received a reply.
Penalties for Possession of Child Pornography
According to Ohio criminal and DUI defense lawyers Joslyn Law Firm, charges of pandering obscenity of a minor may be brought when an accused party is believed to have created, marketed, distributed, or obtained obscene material involving a minor. “Obscene material is material that depicts actions, deviancy, and simulation of a sexual nature,” the company explains. All pandering obscenity charges are felonies in Ohio.
Punishments for fourth-degree pandering obscenity of a minor may include a prison term of up to a year and a fine of up to $5,000. Second-degree offenses—such as generating such obscene content—can incur a fine of up to $15,000 and a sentence of up to 8 years in prison, according to Joslyn Law Firm.
