In May of 2013, the Tucson Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Section began an investigation into the online sharing of child pornography. During that investigation, they located a computer in the Tucson area that was sharing multiple files of suspected child pornography.
They later discovered that the person sharing this material was located in the Midtown area of Tucson. A search warrant was obtained and detectives served the warrant at a residence in the 3700 Block of East 23rd Street. Subsequent investigation revealed evidence in the home that indicated that Ivan Machado, age 28, was responsible for distribution of child pornography from the home.
On July 18, 2013, Mr. Machado was arrested and booked into the Pima County Jail. He has been charged with ten counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, a felony offense.
The Tucson Police Department works Internet Crimes Against Children Unit advises parents and guardians of children that new risks to children exist as a result of various technological advances, especially with internet usage. As more people begin using social media websites, there is also an increased potential for children to engage with individuals, whose ultimate goal might be to exploit them in some way. Make sure that you monitor your children’s internet usage and encourage them to communicate with you should anyone that they don’t know try to interact with them.