State v. Mr. H (DMC No. 16913) – High Profile Media Case of (2 Counts) Felony Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor/Child Pornography (Dangerous Crimes Against Children) – Dismissed (Due to Lack of Evidence) – Gila County Superior Court (Case No. CR2018-00188)

Mr. H was a Special Needs teacher in Arizona.  In a very High Profile Media Case, he was accused of downloading 2 images of Child Pornography and was Charged with Felony Sexual Exploitation of a Minor.  The accusations were that this occurred while he was on school grounds during work hours.

The Charges originated when the Arizona Internet Crimes Against Children (AZICAC) received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).  The Detectives were told that there was a Pinterest account that had two photographs downloaded.  One was of a female who was 12 years of age, and it showed her bare butt; however, her chest and genital areas were away from the camera and not exposed.  The second image showed two naked females from the waist up, but they were covering their nipples with their hands.

It was ultimately determined that the IP address for all devices connected to the school’s network would connect into a school device and the IP network, or any personal device that was using the wi-fi connection and password.  The Police ultimately issued a Search Warrant and raided Mr. H’s house, in which they took all of his electronic devices.  No browsing history existed on those devices.

Ultimately, the Doctor at Child Help who was assigned to determine the age of the females, stated that she could not do so, since no genitalia was shown in the photos.  Based on this information, we met with the Prosecutor and explained that these images did not even qualify as Child Pornography.  Ultimately, after the Prosecutor spoke with the Detective (in which other problems were discovered – that were not shared with us), she Dismissed all Charges against Mr. H.

Originally, Mr. H was facing Decades in Prison, but instead he now has a Clean Rrecord and is a free man today.

State v. Mr. H (DMC No. 17673) – (5 Counts) Sexual Exploitation of a Minor/Child Pornography (Dangerous Crimes Against Children) – Dismissed (Due to Evidentiary Issues) – Maricopa County Superior Court (Case No. CR2022-101445)

The Police had received three separate tips by NEMEC (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children), related to Mr. H’s address and a specific KIK account.  During one of the tips, it was discovered that Child Pornography had been downloaded at Mr. H’s IP address.  They discovered that there were duplicate files, however, there was no identifiable content to show ownership of the account where the email address was located. They arrived and spoke with Mr. H, who indicated he used to have a roommate who had now moved out.  He denied any knowledge of any sexually explicit material or using a KIK account.  When Detectives contacted the former roommate, he also denied seeing any Child Pornography, but did admit that he had a KIK account and could not recall his username.  That tip was closed as “Unresolved.”

Another Detective in the unit received a different Cyber Tip involving the same address.  Once that tip was received, a Search Warrant was obtained, and then Detectives went to Mr. H’s house.  When they got there Mr. H was asleep, and Detectives had knocked loudly, then they deployed two noise devices inside the front of the house and the rear of the house.  At that time Mr. H opened the door and he was immediately Arrested.  He then Invoked his Right to Remain Silent.  He ultimately was Charged with 5 Counts of Felony Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, which carried a range of Punishment of 50 years to 120 years in Prison.  He then secured the services of DM Cantor.

Once we became involved, we hired a Forensic Expert to analyze the computer.  Nothing in the claimed Child Pornography images could actually be linked to Mr. H.  In fact, they had trouble even linking it to his actual IP address.  It was then discovered that somebody modified the username, and began going onto KIK.  All of it looked very suspicious and showed it was not, in fact, Mr. H’s account.

We ultimately met with Prosecutors, and they agreed to Dismiss all Charges against Mr. H.  Although he could have gone to Prison for Decades, he is a free man today.

State v. Mr. M (DMC No. 16717) – (10 Counts) Felony Sexual Exploitation of a Minor/Child Pornography (Dangerous Crimes Against Children) – Dismissed (Due to Possibility of ex-girlfriend Planting Evidence) – Maricopa County Superior Court (Case No. CR2018-002817)

Mr. M was dating a young lady who had a teenaged daughter, who did not want Mr. M to marry her mom.  Various problems began in the relationship, and they were headed to the point of breaking up, with her and her daughter moving out.  It was at this time the girlfriend went to the Buckeye Police Department and told them that she had known Mr. M for 20 years, but had been dating for the last 4, and that she just happened to be on Mr. M’s personal laptop when she saw images of Child Pornography.

She stated that after she saw this, she logged into his email, and found he had a link attached to a website, which she then downloaded.  In essence, she downloaded Child Pornography onto Mr. M’s personal laptop.  She also provided Detectives with four different sites and usernames she claimed she found on Mr. M’s laptop.

After a Swat Team raided Mr. M’s house, and Arrested him after he was getting out of the shower, they interrogated him for hours and made various accusations.  At one point, Mr. M succumbed to pressure and admitted he may have made a conscious decision to order Child Pornography, along with the Adult Pornography that he subscribed to.  His ex-girlfriend also accused him of Molesting his own children, which he denied.

After Mr. M was charged with 10 counts of Felony Sexual Exploitation of a Minor/Child Pornography, he procured the services of DM Cantor.  We had our Forensic Expert do extensive searches on his computer, and we also ran background checks on his ex-girlfriend.  We then sat down with the Prosecutor and explained that any admissions he made, was due to the fact that he was being pressured by Detectives to admit to the “possibility” of downloading Child Pornography.  There were also other equivocal admissions. After our meeting, the Prosecutor agreed to Dismiss all Charges against Mr. M.  Originally, Mr. M was facing 100 years Minimum, and 240 years Maximum in Prison.  Even though the Prosecutor then Reduced the offer to include 12 to 20 years in Prison, and later Reduced it further to only 5 years in Prison, Mr. M maintained his Innocence the entire time.  He now has a Clean Criminal Record, and is a free man today.

State v. Mr. B (DMC No. 17884) – (20 Counts) Felony Sexual Exploitation of a Minor/Child Pornography (Dangerous Crimes Against Children) – Dismissed (and Case Records Sealed) – Graham County Superior Court (Case No. CR20XX-XXXX0)

Mr. B was involved in what is known as Viper Chats on the Viper app, and he was alleged to have been receiving images of Child Pornography.  The Department of Homeland Security investigated, and once it received GPS data, they executed a Search Warrant on Mr. B’s house.  They took all of Mr. B’s electronics, and only after being pressured in a lengthy Interrogation, he admitted to Possessing images of Child Pornography.  He was ultimately Charged with 20 counts of Felony Exploitation of a Minor/Child Pornography (Dangerous Crimes Against Children), and he was facing a Minimum of 200 years in Prison, with a Maximum of 480 years in Prison.  He then retained the services of DM Cantor to Defend him.

We then secured a Forensic Computer Expert to analyze all of the data.  There were approximately over 14,000 files which were automatically saved to Mr. B’s computer when he clicked a single button.  Also, when all of the chats were analyzed, there was no discussion or admission of having Child Pornography.  In addition, of the 14 electronic items seized, many of them did not match the location of where Mr. B was dwelling.

It was discovered that many of the images had different file names other than what was contained within the file.  Also, some of the images were actually photoshopped at some point.  Lastly, it was also discovered that the Agent in charge of the case had not prepared a proper Forensic Report.  Ultimately, the Graham County Attorney’s Office chose to Dismiss all Charges against Mr. B.  We then filed a Motion to Seal his Court File and Record, which was Granted.

State v. Mr. S (DMC No. 16408) – Felony Child Molestation (Dangerous Crimes Against Children) – Dismissed (after Grand Jury Remand Motion Granted) – Maricopa County Superior Court (Case No. CR2017-136776)

Mr. S. was a substitute teachers for a local grade school, who had been brought in to cover a class.  While he was there, 2 particularly problematic students accused him of inappropriate touching.  Specifically, they claimed that he snapped one girl’s bra strap, and then put his hand on her “lap and moved it around her special area.”  They claimed he had done this 3 times, and specifically touched her “private area.”

When Mr. S was contacted, he denied anything inappropriately happening.  When other Witnesses were interviewed, most said they saw absolutely nothing.  Ultimately, he was Arrested and Charged, for both Felony Child Molestation and for Felony Aggravated Assault on a Child.  His Bond was set at $100,000 cash.

He then retained DM Cantor in order to Defend him.  We were able to have the Bond Reduced from $100,000 cash to $35,000 surety.  This meant that only $3,500 went to a Bondsman, and he was then allowed to depart the Jail.

During our Defense, we pointed out numerous flaws in the original Grand Jury proceeding which was held shortly after his Arrest.  When we filed a Motion with the Court, and the Judge Remanded the case back to the Grand Jury to make a Probable Cause determination.  At that point, we had filed a Trebus/Bashir letter demanding that the Grand Jury be told that Mr. S wished to make a statement.  The Second Grand Jury took up that request, and he was questioned and testified to that Grand Jury.  Ultimately, the case was Not Recharged and all Charges were Dismissed regarding Mr. S.

Originally, Mr. S was facing a Minimum of 10 years in Prison, with a potential Maximum of 24 years.  Instead, he has No Criminal Record and he is a free man today.

State v. Mr. P (DMC No. 16398) – Felony Child Sex Trafficking, Felony Luring a Minor for Sexual Exploitation, Felony Sexual Abuse, and Felony Money Laundering – Reduced to Attempt and Probation (with Zero Days in Jail) – Maricopa County Superior Court (Case No. CR2018-141257)

Mr. P saw an ad posted on Craig’s List stating “Young opportunities like this do not come around often.  You won’t be disappointed if you ever wanted to be with someone fresh and young, I am your girl.”  Unbeknownst to Mr. P, this was an Undercover Officer conducting a Sting Operation.  Although the site was supposed to only be used by people 18 and older, during the conversation the alleged prostitute revealed that she was “only 15 years old.”  She also asked for $200 for sex.

Mr. P agreed to only pay $100, and eventually agreed to meet the alleged prostitute at her apartment address.  He was then given the address and Detectives waited for him to arrive.

Once he arrived in the general vicinity of the address, he went to the wrong place.  It was at this time the Undercover Female Detective walked out and flagged him down.  When he walked into the door of the apartment, he asked if she was a Police Officer and grabbed her breast simultaneously.  He was immediately placed under Arrest by a Mesa Police Department SWAT team.  He was found to have $100 in his pocket at that time.  Afterwards, he was questioned and coerced into admitting to knowing that he agreed to be with a 15-year-old and have sex in exchange for the $100.  He was then Arrested and Charged with Felony Child Sex Trafficking, Felony Luring a Minor for Sexual Exploitation, Felony Sexual Abuse, and Felony Money Laundering.

It was at this time; Mr. P secured the services of DM Cantor to Represent him.  The first thing we did was secure all text messages that went back and forth between the Undercover Detective and Mr. P.  It appeared that Mr. P merely thought the alleged prostitution was “role playing,” and was actually over 18 years of age.  In addition, when he arrived on the scene and saw the female Detective, we were able to show that she was in her mid-20’s.  If she appeared to have actually been 15 years of age, he could have backed out of the transaction at that time.

Because Mr. P actually did grab her breast, and because he was offering money for sex, he did have exposure to criminal liability.  Originally, he was facing Decades in Prison.  Ultimately, we secured an offer to Attempt, which included Probation and Zero Days in Jail.

State v. Mr. S (DMC No. 15408) – Felony Child Sex Trafficking, Felony Luring a Minor for Sexual Exploitation, and Felony Sexual Exploitation of a Minor/Possession of Child Pornography – Not Charged (Due to Evidence of Scam) – Private Investigators hired by DM Cantor Investigated

Mr. S was on the Tagged dating app when he struck up a conversation with a young lady.  Multiple pictures were sent back and forth of a sexual nature, and multiple texts regarding sexual activity were exchanged.  After all of these texts and photos were sent over the course of several days, Mr. S received a call from an individual claiming to be the girl’s father, and he stated that she was only 16 years old.

At first, Mr. S was requested to send $450 in order to get the girl into “therapy.”  Then, he was contacted two more times and sent two more payments of $1,400 each for the continued “therapy.”  After sending $3,250, he was told that no more money would be necessary and that they were “through.”

Approximately one month later, demands for more money arrived.  Mr. S then got a call from an individual purporting to be a Police Officer, demanding to speak with him.  It was at this point he secured the services of DM Cantor to Represent him.

When we became involved, we called the number of the so-called Detective who left a message for Mr. S, and the phone number was inaccurate.  We then researched the actual Detective named with the alleged Police agency, and we called the number on file.  That Detective stated he had no idea who Mr. S was, and that he was not involved in an investigation.  It was at this time it became apparent Mr. S was being scammed.  We then attempted to pursue charges for Extortion against the alleged perpetrator.  As the Police looked into the situation, they realized that all communications were coming from overseas, and there was no realistic likelihood of having any Charges filed.

If Mr. S had actually be Charged with Felony Child Sex Trafficking, Felony Luring a Minor for Sexual Exploitation, and Felony Sexual Exploitation of a Minor/Child Pornography, he could have spent the rest of his Life in Prison.  As of today, Mr. S has No Criminal Record, and he is a free man.

State v. Mr. P (DMC No. 16307) – Felony Child Sex Trafficking, and Felony Luring of a Minor for Sexual Exploitation – Not Charged – Chandler Police Department investigated (DR No. 20XX-XXXX9)

Mr. P was a young man who was using the Periscope app, a live-streaming platform, in which to talk to people.  It was there that he found a girl who was selling “SnapChat Chat Premium” in which she would send a group of photos for a certain amount of money.  Most of these photos would be sexual in nature.

After discovering this, he paid a one-time $20 fee on PayPal and started a conversation on SnapChat.  She then asked him for $20 to help with her dog, and he sent money.  In addition, she claimed to be a college student and needed $130 for her Drop Box account (which he paid).  She then told him she does “meet ups” in which she charges $150 in order to fly out, and then would charge additional amounts of money for sexual acts.  He eventually sent her approximately $360 that night to her Venmo account.

She kept stalling meeting with him, and kept asking for more and more money.  He eventually realized she was never going to come out, and he tried to block her on Messenger.  She then went on SnapChat and threatened him, and stated she collected screenshots of all their activity, and she now claimed to be only 17 years old.  She also indicated she had contacted Chandler PD to investigate him.  It was at this time he hired DM Cantor to help Defend him.

We ultimately were able to track down the actual name and age of the account user by performing Detective work on social media.  It turned out that the female was, in fact, 23 years old, and was an Adult.  It is at this point we requested that the Chandler Police Department commit their investigation and look into this woman for Extortion.  Although they did not “further that investigation,” this information did prevent Mr. T from being Charged with any crimes.  If he would have been Charged with Felony Child Sex Trafficking or Felony Luring a Minor for Sexual Exploitation, he could have spent well over a Decade in Prison if convicted.  Instead, he has No Criminal History whatsoever, and he has a Clean Record.

State v. Mr. G (DMC No. 16620) – Felony Child Sex Trafficking, Felony Aggravated Luring of a Minor for Sexual Exploitation, and Misdemeanor Compounding – Not Charged – Phoenix Police Department investigated (DR No. 20XX-XXXXXX4)

Mr. G was a Teacher at a local high school, and he was accused of using SnapChat in order to Lure a student for Sexual Exploitation.  Specifically, he was accused of sending “dick pics” to the student and offering him money.  A meeting was set to meet at local park, in which Mr. G was supposedly to pay between $60 and $100 for a “blow job.” When  he arrived at the park, other students came out from the bushes and attacked and beat him.  After this attack, Mr. G was alleged to have offered $1,000 if the students “wouldn’t tell anyone.”

Some of the other Teachers found out about this attack, and Mr. G was very upset.  He resigned his job, and one of the other Teachers drove him to the airport, after which he relocated to Florida.  After Detectives executed a Search Warrant on Mr. G’s house, he then secured the services of DM Cantor.

Once we became involved, we interviewed numerous other Teachers, who were well aware that Mr. G was giving certain students money to “help them out” because they were running away from home frequently.  When Mr. G found out these students were using the money to buy drugs, he cut them off.  It was after that point that those students became angry with him, and then began sending Snap Chats to Mr. G (which they took pictures of in order to use as “evidence”).

It became apparent that there was no reciprocation from Mr. G, and all of these one-sided Snap Chats appeared to be used to Extort money out of Mr. G.  This is when the Detectives committed their investigation to begin instead focusing on the students.  If Mr. G had been charged with Child Sex Trafficking, Aggravated Luring of a Minor for Sexual Exploitation, and Compounding, he could have spent Decades behind bars if convicted.  Instead, he has No Criminal History and is a free man today.

State v. Mr. J (DMC No. 16235) – (5 Counts) Felony Failure to Register as a Sex Offender – Reduced to Probation (with Zero Days in Jail) – Yavapai County Superior Court (Case No. 2017-001490)

Mr. J had previously been convicted of Felony Luring a Minor for Sexual Exploitation, and he was Sentenced to 5 Years of Probation, and he was Required to Register as a Sex Offender.  Although he had successfully completed Probation, and had Registered three previous times as a Sex Offender, he still subsequently enrolled at Yavapai Community College and informed the Campus Police that he was a Registered Sex Offender.  They did an “Assessment” that showed he was not a risk, and they allowed him to enroll.

At some point in time, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office received an anonymous tip claiming that Mr. J was on Facebook and attempting to solicit relationships with other college students.  The Sheriff’s Department discovered that he was a Registered Sex Offender and claimed that he had not complied with the Registration Terms.  He was eventually told to come down to the Police Station in order to Register, and it was there that he was Arrested for Failing to Register on 5 different occasions.  One he was Charged with 5 Counts of Failure to Register as Sex Offender, he secured the services of DM Cantor to Defend him.

We were able to show the Prosecutor that he thought he was in full compliance when he Registered with the Yavapai Community College Police Officers.  In addition, the alleged Facebook account linking him to soliciting students was not even registered to him.  We were also able to show he did not have any unauthorized internet access.  Ultimately, we were able to secure the Plea which was Reduced to Probation, with Zero Days in Jail.  Had Mr. J been convicted of all 5 Counts, he could have spent over 18 years in Prison.