Ft Walton Beach Man Charged with Distributing Child Pornograph

Matt Boster

Viewed: 2530

Posted by: Matt Boster
Date: Apr 22 2016 7:54 AM

An Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office investigation led to the discovery of thousands of files of
child pornography on the computer of a Fort Walton Beach man arrested in February on child
molestation charges.

Investigators served a search warrant on the home of 25-year old Thomas Michael Hawkins of
125 Staff drive on February 2nd of this year, after information was developed indicating he
possessed child pornography. Evidence discovered during the execution of that search warrant led to Hawkins being charged with lewd or lascivious molestation of a child under the age of 12 and promotion of sexual performance by a child.

Hawkins’ computer was seized and a forensic review of his computer has now been completed.That review turned up approximately 5,387 files of child pornography and erotic images. OCSO Investigators discovered Hawkins had been distributing the images and videos via video chat websites, Yahoo messenger, and Skype.

While distributing on video chat, Hawkins also showed child pornography to juveniles on twelve separate occasions. Hawkins has now been charged with possession of child pornography, transmission of material harmful to minors by an electronic device, and transmission of pornography by an electronic device.

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