Suspect Claims Identity Theft as Defense for Child Pornography
A San Antonio, Texas doctor claims he is the victim of identity theft or a computer virus, rather than a possessor of child pornography. Dr. David Christopher Winkler has been accused of possessing over 200 images and eight hours of videos of boys and girls in sexual acts. He claims he “may have been a victim of identity theft and computer hacking, or a computer virus.” Winkler’s attorney said this could happen to anyone owns a computer.
A search of Winkler’s home computer found no child porn, but a search of his office computer found the illegal material. The Cyber Crimes Unit of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office (ICE) obtained search warrants based on records showing Winkler had purchased access to child porn sites. Winkler’s attorney said the Doctor’s office building had broken into a number of times.
Considering that any rational person would be more likely to have such illegal material on his home computer, rather than at the office, Winkler may be the victim of a sick, identity theft practical joke.