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[Posted on Mon, Mar 6 2006]
International Child Pornography Ring BustedDubbed "Operation Hamlet," the investigation of an international child pornography ring led by the San Diego Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and supported by the SDRCFL - who invested over 500 man hours in this investigation - was dismantled with one of the main participants recently sentenced to life in prison. Operation Hamlet focused on a group of individuals that were distributing photos and videos via the Internet of themselves molesting children. Forty-five children were victimized, including 37 U.S. children ranging in age from 2 to about 14. The San Diego RCFL devoted over 500 man-hours in support of this investigation – and their efforts paid off. Paul Whitmore, a former counselor for autistic children, and 24 other individuals in Europe and North America, were arrested and went on trial for their involvement in the international child porn ring. Almost 4 years after the investigation began, Whitmore received a life sentence for his involvement--the judge called it the "most horrible" case of her legal career.
SDRCFL Director Randall L. Bolelli commented on the case saying, "Unfortunately, cases involving the possession and distribution of child pornography represent the vast majority of work processed by our Computer Forensic Examiners. This case in particular, went beyond the pale, but we persevered, and the findings resulted in a life sentence for one of the main defendants. We can only hope that our continued success in prosecuting these individuals will serve as a deterrent to those who think they can abuse children."
[San Diego RCFL web site ]