Staff Reports
GRAHAM COUNTY — A local resident who recently inherited a camper and associated property contacted the Graham County Sheriff’s Office after discovering what he believed to be child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on a found storage device.
According to a Graham County Sheriff’s Office report, on May 7, at approximately 9:55 p.m., a deputy was dispatched to the area of W. Roper Lake Road in reference to suspicious materials. The man told deputies he had come across a pink container holding three micro SD cards while searching a connex box on the property several weeks earlier.
While he initially set the cards aside because he needed additional phone storage, he inserted one of the cards into his device. That’s when he noticed multiple video files, and upon viewing the first two, he believed the content depicted child pornography and immediately contacted authorities.
The responding deputy viewed one of the videos, which showed two post-pubescent males engaged in a sexual act. The deputy was unable to confirm that the individuals were minors. The man voluntarily surrendered all three micro SD cards, which were taken into evidence by the sheriff’s office.
No arrests have been reported in connection with the discovery, and the investigation remains ongoing as authorities review the contents of the devices.
What to Do If You Find Yourself in a Similar Situation
Discovering potential illegal material, especially anything involving the sexual exploitation of minors, can be distressing and legally complicated. Here’s how to handle it responsibly:
- Stop viewing immediately. Do not continue watching, copying, sharing, or deleting files. Further viewing could expose you to illegal content and complicate any future investigation. Only view enough to reasonably identify the nature of the material.
- Do not attempt your own investigation. Leave that to law enforcement. Handling or distributing suspected child sexual abuse material (CSAM) can itself be a serious federal and state crime, even if unintentional.
- Secure the device safely. Place the SD card, hard drive, phone, or other media in a sealed container or bag if possible, and avoid handling it more than necessary to prevent damage or accidental access.
- Contact law enforcement right away. Call your local sheriff’s office, police department, or the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) CyberTipline (report.cybertip.org). Explain exactly how and where you found the material. Voluntary reporting and cooperation are viewed favorably and help protect you legally.
- Document basic facts without tampering. Note where and when you found the item(s), but do not alter the property or attempt data recovery yourself.
- Seek legal advice if needed. If you have concerns about your own exposure (for example, if you briefly viewed content), consult an attorney. Prompt, good-faith reporting to authorities is the best protection.
Law enforcement agencies have forensic tools to properly examine digital evidence while maintaining the chain of custody. Turning materials over quickly, as the individual in this case did, is the correct and responsible course of action. If you suspect child exploitation, reporting it helps protect potential victims and supports broader efforts against such crimes.
