Brandon Man Arrested For Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material And Destroying Evidence

Tampa, FL -United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return by a grand jury of an indictment charging Benjamin Crawford (46, Brandon) with distribution of child sexual abuse material, destruction of evidence, and access with intent to view child sexual abuse material. If convicted on all counts, Crawford faces a maximum penalty of 60 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Crawford that the United States intends to forfeit a cellphone and laptop, which are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense.

According to the indictment, Crawford distributed child sexual abuse material with the intent to view child sexual abuse material. Additionally, Crawford did knowingly alter, destroy, and mutilate records or tangible objects with the intent to impede, obstruct and influence the investigation and proper administration of the execution of a search warrant.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ilyssa M. Spergel and Abigail K. King.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.