The Austin County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man following an investigation into allegations involving child pornography, according to a press release from the department.
On Aug. 31, the Austin County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division received a tip regarding an adult male who was allegedly in possession of child pornography on his cellular phone and was reportedly making additional requests for photos and videos.
According to ACSO, Internet Crimes Against Children investigators D. Hagen and H. Janicek made contact with the suspect, identified as Jeremy Bender.
During the investigation, authorities reported finding multiple illicit photographs of child pornography on Bender’s cellular phone. Bender was subsequently arrested and charged with possession of child pornography under Texas Penal Code Section 43.26.
Under Texas law, possession of child pornography is generally a third-degree felony, punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The offense may be enhanced to a second- or first-degree felony depending on factors including the number and nature of the images and a defendant’s prior criminal history.
The sheriff’s office said the investigation remains ongoing and could result in additional charges or suspects.
The Austin County Sheriff’s Office is a joint member of the Southern Texas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and currently has two investigators assigned to the task force.
An arrest and charge are accusations of criminal conduct and are not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
