The suspect is identified as Cledith Polson, 42, of Cumberland, Maryland. He is charged with four counts of possession of child pornography and four counts of distribution of child pornography. Polson was arrested on Thursday without incident. He is being held without bond at the Allegany County County Detention Center.
In June 2022, troopers from the Maryland State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force began an online investigation involving the distribution and possession of child pornography. Investigators obtained media files of child pornography that were being distributed online. Further investigations led to the identification of the suspect and his residence in Allegany County.
At approximately 11 a.m. on Thursday, troopers arrested Polson at his residence. A preliminary forensic review of his electronic devices seized at the residence revealed multiple child pornography files.
The Maryland State Police Computer Crimes Unit coordinates the Maryland Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. This is a combined law enforcement effort involving police departments across Maryland that is made possible in part due to grant funds provided by the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention (GOCCP) and by a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. Task force investigators focus on identifying those involved in child pornography via the Internet and other related crimes that victimize children.
Cledith Polson
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CONTACT: Office of Media Communications, msp.media@maryland.gov