A veteran police officer has been charged with Sexual Exploitation of a Child in Adams County, Colorado. According to news reports, the Douglas County Sheriff's Department contacted Westminster police after finding the police officer had downloaded sexually exploitative images of children during an investigation. The police officer, who had been a police officer with the Denver Police Department for 19 years, resigned after he was charged, and was arrested a short time later. Let's look closer at the different aspects of this case in order to understand it better.

What is Sexual Exploitation of a Child?

Sexual Exploitation of a Child – C.R.S. 18-6-403, is charged whenever a person is in possession of child pornography or other materials whichare sexually exploitative involving children (under the age of 18). It can also be charged if a person creates, distributes, or sells sexually exploitative material involving children. The Denver police officer was found to be in possession of such material, and has been charged with a felony.

What are the Consequences of a Conviction?

Prison Time: The government in Jefferson, Arapahoe, and El Paso County takes sex crimes involving children extremely seriously. Depending on amount of material that is found, the Denver police officer could face anywhere from a class 6 felony (which carries a sentence of up to 18 months in the Department of Corrections), up to a class 3 felony (which carries a sentence of up to 12 years in the Department of Corrections).

Sex Offender Treatment: Sexual Exploitation of a Child is a sex offense, which means that any person who is convicted will be required to undergo sex offender treatment. This treatment, provided the Colorado Sex Offender Management Board (SOMB), is harsh and invasive.

Sex Offender Registration: Sex offenders are required to register as a sex offender in the jurisdiction where they live.

Life Changing Consequences: Registered sex offenders have a difficult time living a normal life. Many employers won't hire sex offenders. It can be hard to find a way to make a living. Also, finding a home is also extremely difficult. Many cities are very restrictive and selective about where a registered sex offender can live.

Files on Computer Hard Drives: Deleted Files aren't Gone

Many people who have been charged with Sexual Exploitation of a Child aren't aware that deleted files on their hard drives are still accessible to police investigators in Larimer, Weld, and Park County. The police found evidence of thousands of downloaded titles suggesting the Denver police officer had deleted sexually exploitative material. Even though deleted, the police still found the files and the evidence will be used against him in court. This is why owning a used computer is not a good idea. You don't know what the previous owner has downloaded and deleted. You could be charged with a crime you didn't even commit.

Why You Need a Lawyer for Sexual Exploitation of a Child Charges

If you have been accused of possessing child pornography, you need to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. This is a serious sex offense which will have an enormous impact on your life. You need to create a strong defense as soon as you are charged. The most important thing you can do is to remain silent when the police call or come by. Tell them you are not speaking about the case, and have retained a lawyer for your defense.

Request a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been charged with Sexual Exploitation of a Child, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O'Malley Law Office at 303-830-0880, or submit the “Get Help Now” form. Together, we can protect your future.

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