A 41‑year‑old youth soccer referee and Junior Achievement volunteer was taken into custody in Phoenix on Tuesday, accused of possessing child pornography.
The investigation began in June after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a tip suggesting that cryptocurrency transactions were being used to facilitate the distribution of illegal material.
Evidence Uncovered
Phoenix police executed a search warrant on July 19, uncovering at least ten files that depicted child sexual abuse on the suspect’s electronic devices.
Authorities have indicated that additional charges may be filed as investigators continue to review a larger collection of digital evidence.
Legal Proceedings Underway
During the court hearing, a judge set the suspect’s bail at $250,000 cash only, citing the seriousness of the alleged offenses. The case has drawn attention from local community organizations, including Junior Achievement of Arizona and the U.S. Soccer Federation, both of which have expressed concern over the alleged misconduct.
Legal experts note that the charges could carry significant penalties if further evidence confirms the possession and distribution of child pornography.