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Salt Lake City TSOs Intercept Man Carrying Child Pornography

News & Happenings

June 5, 2007

Man in handcuffs led into a courtroom

Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) at Salt Lake City International Airport on May 31 helped apprehend a passenger who was ultimately charged with 20 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, methamphetamine and marijuana possession, and four counts of drug paraphernalia.

The 49-year-old passenger was flagged for secondary screening by TSO Jason Turner after a cigarette lighter was discovered in his carry-on bag. On further inspection, Lead TSO Jeremiah Whittle found marijuana folded inside the passenger's flight itinerary along with two glass pipes and a small amount of methamphetamine.

Airport police then searched the passenger's checked baggage and discovered a laptop computer with videos and a large number of DVDs containing hard-core child pornography.

The passenger, a veteran freelance television producer, had been staying in Salt Lake City to film the NBA Western Conference Finals. The FBI is investigating the case.

Chief S.J. Marlovits, Jr., Salt Lake City International Airport Police Department, said, "It is all too easy for us to let down our guard and overlook the 'little things.' In this case, TSOs were diligent, alert and hardworking."

TSA Western Area Director David Beecroft commended and thanked Utah Acting Federal Security Director Ronald J. Malin and his Salt Lake City team.