Jonathan Tubbergen of Broward County, Florida was arrested on October 22 for possession of several child porn pictures and videos.
Tubbergen, 22, is charged with several counts of possession of child pornography and one count of using a computer to compile child pornography.
He was ordered held on $25,000 bond. If he posts bail, he will not be allowed to access the internet and will be required to wear a GPS ankle monitor. The press did not name an attorney for him.
According to the probable cause affidavit, police learned about Tubbergen after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about a Gmail user who was discussing molesting children in a chat conversation.
Police looked into the claims for several months. During one of the alleged chats, Tubbergen reportedly asked a user if he knew any young girls. The user asked “How young?” and he replied, “11,” the affidavit said. The user then told him that he was a “bad guy” and he was going to report him for pedophilia.
An investigator attempted to contact Tubbergen at his father’s home in Fort Lauderdale, but was informed that the 22-year-old had moved to his mother’s house in Pompano Beach. The investigator went to the mother’s home and spoke with Tubbergen and his parents.
Tubbergen reportedly asked the detective to speak with him privately because he was embarrassed. He allegedly admitted to owning a few child pornography videos. When pressed for a definitive amount, he said he had around 100 videos, the affidavit said. Tubbergen admitted he had a problem and said he has been masturbating to child porn since he was 19, police said.
Tubbergen agreed to turn over his cellphone. Photos and videos of child pornography were discovered on the device, which led to his arrest on Monday. During bond court on Tuesday, Tubbergen’s parents told the judge that their son is mentally handicapped and has the capacity of a child.
Possession of child pornography is a third degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison for each count. The charge carries life-altering consequences. In addition to a harsh prison sentence and hefty fines, a conviction also includes mandatory lifetime registration in the national sex offender registry.
Anyone involved in a sex crime should hire a competent lawyer to help them navigate the criminal justice system and obtain the best possible outcome.
Child Pornography Attorney
If you are involved in a child pornography case, then you should hire an attorney. Contact us to set up a free initial consultation and work with one of Florida’s most experienced child pornography attorneys.
Source: 10.23.18 Broward county man accused of possessing child porn, discussing molestation in chat.pdf