What Is a Child Porn Sting Operation?

A child porn sting operation is a law enforcement tactic to catch perpetrators. Internet sting operations help police make arrests for online solicitation of minor and child porn charges.

There are different scenarios for carrying out a sting operation. And sometimes, law enforcement oversteps their authority or the boundaries of a sting operation. If you are charged with a child porn crime after a sting operation, you need an aggressive legal defender on your side.

Sting Operations in Sarasota Child Porn Cases

Law enforcement will attempt to use sting operations to incriminate people who are seeking child porn. There are several tactics police can use.

Posing as a Minor Online

The police may create an online profile posing as a minor. Officers engage in conversation with adults in chat rooms or via direct messages. The “minor” tells the adult that they are underage before engaging in further discussion. If the conversation becomes sexual and the alleged perpetrator wants to meet with the minor for sex, police officers are waiting.

Child Porn Fake Websites

Law enforcement creates a website designed to attract pedophiles searching for child porn. They use technology to uncover the identities of those seeking child porn and then arrest them. A similar tactic is for a law enforcement officer to enter a child porn website under a false identity.

Police sting operations are effective in identifying and arresting child sex predators. But innocent people also often get caught in the crossfire— and when they do, their entire lives are destroyed. If this sounds like what you’re going through, you are not alone. A dedicated Sarasota sex crime lawyer could help you defend yourself.

Defending Charges Related to a Sting Operation

You must retain aggressive legal counsel if you have been arrested in a sting operation. Several potential defenses could be used to secure your acquittal. One of the first defenses is unintentional possession. This might be a good defense if child porn materials were on a phone or computer that other people use. A shared desktop computer in a home you rent with four roommates is a good example.

To convict you, the state’s prosecutor will need to be able to show that:

• You knew child porn was in your possession
• It was in your control freely

Accidental possession could be a valid defense for your case as well. This most often occurs through malware that infiltrates your computer or phone. Hackers are capable of breaking through your firewalls and other online security. You might see these types of cases with prominent figures and even in some incredibly messy divorces. Other potential defenses you might use to clear your name could include:

• Illegal search and seizure
• Entrapment
• Mistake of fact – it wasn’t child porn
• Mental addiction

The details of your case will determine which strategy is most likely to result in your acquittal. Suppose police crossed the line in the course of their investigation. In this example, entrapment or illegal search and seizure may be the proper defense for you.

Get Help From a Sarasota Sex Crime Lawyer

If you were arrested during a child porn sting operation, you should have an experienced Sarasota sex crime lawyer on your side. When you choose to work with Erika Valcarcel, Criminal Defense Lawyer, P.A., you’ll have a dedicated legal advocate fighting for your freedom. Are you ready to get started on your defense strategy?

Call (941) 363-7900 to schedule your free, no-risk consultation. Or fill out our convenient contact form. We are ready to fight for you.