A Georgia man awaiting trial for possessing and distributing child pornography continued to share the disturbing materials after his arrest and intentionally cut off his ankle monitor while awaiting trial, prosecutors said.
The incident, according to court documents, happened earlier this month while 35-year-old Christopher Snow was on house arrest, leading to a trial days later and a conviction.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office of Middle District Georgia, Snow, of Madison County, was convicted June 7 of “distribution of child sexual abuse material and one count of possession of child sexual abuse material.”
Snow was arrested in 2018 after police conducted a search warrant at his residence in Carlton, uncovering electronic devices stored in a padlocked room. The devices contained around 45 illicit images and 17 illicit videos of children under the age of 12.
During his pretrial release, Snow was required to wear an ankle monitor and was prohibited from accessing electronic devices. On June 1, however, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) received a tip claiming Snow removed his ankle monitor and was still sharing the abusive material.
The U.S. Marshals apprehended him on June 5. Within days, Snow was convicted after a two-day trial.
“By cutting his ankle monitor prior to trial, Snow attempted to evade justice for actively distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material involving young children; he’s lost his freedom and will no longer be able to hurt innocent and vulnerable kids in this way,” U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary said.
“It often takes many different groups to stop a child predator, as demonstrated in this case. I am thankful for the excellent collaboration at every level to protect children.”
Snow faces a minimum prison sentence of five years and a maximum of up 20 years, along with a fine of $250,000 for each count. Upon federal prison release, he will be required to register as a sex offender and could face a lifetime of supervised release.
“This conviction serves as a strong reminder of our commitment to protecting children from the atrocities of child sexual abuse. The GBI remains resolute in its pursuit of justice and will not tolerate those who exploit the innocence of our most vulnerable population,” GBI Director Mike Register said.
Snow is currently in federal custody. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 3 in Athens.
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[Feature Photo via GBI]
