News 4's legal analyst explains challenges in suspended magistrate case

Transcript

what have we learned? >> We learned today that the attorney went right to the detention hearing. New information we learn today found that investigators discovered hundreds of photos videos and conversations involving children and infants less than a year old. The Department of Homeland Security assert his Charleston home on September 16 been on September 17 they searched Charleston County court chambers where they seized records. Those bank records they say come from transaction for child sexual abuse material and a vendor that took them off in late 2024. Some of the conversations detailed explicit pictures and videos and interactions with neighborhood children for the legions seized 14 devices iPhones discs VHS tapes and others numerous electronic devices all containing child sexual abuse material.

For ┘┘federal agencies they are coming through much evidence another Colleen in the community to come forward to identify those victims. >> Certainly these are some very troubling allegations involving numerous children according to the latest court filing that Emily discussed earlier it reads the quote the evidence against him and submits overwhelming and conclusive. In the motion for detention for the legions that part quote as a judge he was intimately involved in the administration of justice including individuals charged with child sex crimes he knew the legal consequences if he was caught he knew the reputation of comedic harm that will result he knew the harm that comes to the children victimized and the CSA yam industry and yet he still persisted. That's why authorities are asking for help to locate and identify any and all possible victims some of them possibly in the Charleston area and common security needs the public input to assist in that. They ask if you have a child or know of a child that was ever a loan with or held right James Benjamin guns now that you please come forward with any information.

A busy legal analyst says the various stages of the alleged victim to make it ethical to get evidence directly from the child so the investigators may have to lean on the vast amount of electronic evidence like those USB drives and videocassettes to identify victims in some cases. >> They have these forensic examiners these forensic examiners that can interview child in these friend forensic interviews are skilled in using techniques that could ring out information that a child has been abused. When the child is not verbal it's impossible you have to rely on physical evidence, given the vast amount of electronic information that could be available the case could be proved through conversations with another pedophile but seems to be the case here. It's very difficult. >> They have set up a tip line for the purpose on twitter is that they are on the screen you cannot about five investigators on twitter.

You can also send tips via email. The advocacy Center was not able to give us a camera interview. They say to remain calm allowed the chance to talk show interest and concern reassure and support the child's feelings and most importantly take action to make sure the proper authorities are contacted. They cautioned not to panic her or overreact press the child to talk them promise anything you can't control blame or minimize the child's feeling or overwhelmed the child with questions. If you have any information you can contact the