Bradenton man downloaded videos of child sexual abuse material from dark web, FBI says
A Bradenton man is charged with possession of child sexual abuse material after investigators say he downloaded images from the “dark web.”
Christopher David Clark, 52, is facing charges after the Federal Bureau of Investigation searched his home and found an external hard drive with multiple images of child sexual abuse material, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida announced Tuesday.
In May, an investigation revealed an internet account that was “part of an online community of individuals who regularly send and receive” child sexual abuse materials anonymously on an encrypted dark web platform, according to an arrest record. Investigators say the user requested suspected child sexual abuse material “on multiple occasions.”
Investigators say the IP address was connected to a one-bedroom apartment in Bradenton where Clark lived alone.
When the FBI executed a search warrant on Clark’s home, they say agents discovered more than 40 electronic devices, including computers, cell phones and external hard drives. A preview of an external hard drive revealed multiple images of child sexual abuse material, prosecutors say.
During an interview, the FBI says Clark acknowledged using a “dark web type of program” but denied ever using it to download child sexual abuse materials. When asked if he had ever seen images or videos online related to children, Clark said “I have seen some thumbnails that I thought were of questionable variety, but that’s all I’m going to say now,” according to an arrest report.
Clark was arrested on Thursday and is next set to appear in a Tampa courtroom for a hearing on Oct. 16, according to court documents.
Clark faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison if convicted, prosecutors say.
This case was investigated by the FBI, with assistance from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Bradenton Police Department and the Sarasota Police Department.
