Ohio Child Sex Crime Task Force Rolls Out Mobile Forensics Laboratory

October 11, 2012

In any criminal case involving accusations of internet sex crimes, the prosecution must present complex evidence of child exploitation or child solicitation involving computer files, communication records and other data. To counter the impact of this data, a sex crimes defense attorney must understand the technical nature of the evidence as well as a client's rights.

The Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) recently introduced a high-tech mobile forensics laboratory that it will deploy across the state to expedite investigations of alleged child exploitation. The truck cost nearly $150,000 and was funded by a U.S. Department of Justice grant.

The truck is equipped with work stations, monitors, video players, wi-fi capabilities and an interview room to record interrogations and interviews. It will allow computer sex crimes investigators to assess hard drives, videotapes, flash drives, CDs, DVDs and other means of digital storage of child pornography images and other relevant evidence.

One Ohio prosecutor recently suggested that the mobile lab would have significantly aided the investigation of a Cleveland man who was ultimately charged with more than 150 counts involving child pornography possession and distribution. He later pleaded guilty to a range of crimes, including gross sexual imposition, pandering sexually-oriented matter involving a minor, illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material and possession of criminal tools.

ICAC works closely with more than 240 law enforcement agencies that are active in Ohio, from county sheriff's departments and local police departments to the FBI and United States Attorney's offices. The task force is dedicated to swift prosecution of accused Internet child predators and child pornographers.

Balancing Prosecutorial Resources With Aggressive Criminal Defense Representation

ICAC officials claim that the new mobile lab will help them eliminate backlogs in the prosecution of child sex crimes. However, every effort to provide swifter justice comes with the peril that a defendant's rights will be overlooked and abused.

An Ohio child sex crimes lawyer must act swiftly and decisively to protect a client who is suddenly confronted with prosecutorial interest, media scrutiny and harsh accusations in his or her community. Whether the state's case depends on baseless or exaggerated accusations, or presents technical questions about whether specific images were actually knowingly controlled or possessed by the accused person, a criminal defense attorney can explain everything from prospects for dismissed or reduced charges to strategies for acquittal or success on appeal.

Article provided by Adam Boyd Bleile
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