Cell phone apps cited as contact tool in county child pornography case

By Roger Bianchini
Royal Examiner

Shawn Williams /Photo: RSW Regional Jail

A 19-year-old county man charged on four felony counts related to the recruitment, production, possession and distribution of child pornography cited cell phone applications KIK and Skype as means by which he contacted underage girls in order to exchange photos of a sexual nature.

A search warrant was executed at 277 Sagar Drive address of Shawn Williams in the far western part of the county off Panhandle Road on Friday, December 15.  Williams, 19, was then charged with “possession, reproduction, distribution, solicitation, and facilitation of child pornography” related to State Code 18.2-374.1:1.  The charges are Class 6 Felonies.

According to four criminal complaints filed by Warren County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Daniel Maxfield, a cell phone belonging to Williams was processed on which there were “at least four images of children under the age of 18 … who were nude and engaged in sexualized behavior.”

According to those criminal complaints issued December 15, there are four involved minors identified as victims “1, 2, 3 and 4”.   The complaint states Sergeant Maxfield received information on December 4 from the Waynesboro Police that a resident of Warren County was in possession of child pornography.

Maxfield interviewed Williams following the December 15 execution of the search warrant.  In the criminal complaints, Maxfield states, “Mr. Williams stated he possessed child pornography.  He stated he has talked to girls as young as 11 years old.  He stated he spoke to these girls via the application KIK and Skype.  He stated he traded with these girls nude photos of himself and them.  Mr. Williams stated he has bought child pornography and has attempted to sell it.”

Williams was denied bond at a hearing Monday morning (Dec. 18) and continues to be held at the RSW Regional Jail.  He has a preliminary hearing scheduled for January 25, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. in Warren County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.

A press release issued Monday, December 18, by Sheriff Daniel McEathron noted the investigation is active and anyone with relevant information is asked to contact Sgt. Maxfield at (540) 635-7100.  Sheriff McEathron also thanked the Waynesboro Police Department for its assistance in the case.