Hundreds of child porn files found on ex-South Florida commissioner’s computer, deputies say
A former Broward town commissioner and fire chief was found in possession of hundreds of files of child pornography. The once volunteer Santa Claus has had his home raided and been placed behind bars, authorities said.
James Silverstone is facing 10 counts of transmission of child pornography by electronic device. As of Thursday evening, the 62-year-old was still in jail, records show.
In late April, Broward Sheriff’s Office detectives opened an investigation into a person downloading more than 210 files of child porn, including images and videos, on their computer. Evidence would eventually point to Silverstone as the suspect, the sheriff’s office said.
A search warrant on his home in May found hundreds more videos and pictures that involved children as young as infants performing sex acts.
On Thursday morning, Silverstone turned himself over to authorities.
Silverstone ended his first term as a Town of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea commissioner in 2010, after losing reelection, Miami Herald archives show.
He also was the town’s last fire chief before the volunteer department was shutdown in 2006 due to leadership not following Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue safety regulations, who was providing service to the small municipality, according to a story written in the archives.
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