HSI arrests west Texas man for allegedly possessing child pornography

MIDLAND, Texas – A local man suspected of possessing child pornography, including graphic images depicting bestiality, was arrested Thursday by special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Jason Trott, 39, was arrested May 29 hours after HSI special agents executed a federal search warrant for child pornography at his home.

According to an arrest affidavit, HSI special agents found Trott's computer running upon entering the residence. The computer was connected to the Internet and displayed multiple websites depicting bestiality with a minor under 12 years old on the screen. Special agents seized Trott's personal computer as well as five connected computer hard drives.

An initial review of the computer revealed more than 100 images of child pornography. At least four images showed children younger than 12 years old engaging in sexually explicit activities, court records show.

Trott is charged with advertising a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison. Trott made his first appearance in federal court May 29. His detention hearing is set for June 3.

"Child pornography is a horrendous crime, and hunting down and arresting these depraved child predators is one of HSI's highest priorities," said Dennis A. Ulrich, special agent in charge of HSI El Paso. Ulrich oversees HSI operations in west Texas and the state of New Mexico.

The investigation was part of Operation Predator, a nationwide HSI initiative to protect children from sexual predators, including those who travel overseas for sex with minors, Internet child pornographers, criminal alien sex offenders and child sex traffickers. HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at 1-866-347-2423 or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators.

Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, an Operation Predator partner, via its toll-free 24-hour hotline, 1-800-843-5678.

HSI is a founding member of the Virtual Global Taskforce, an international alliance of law enforcement agencies and private industry sector partners working together to prevent and deter online child sexual abuse.