Florida Santa Volunteer Downloads Hundreds of Child Porn Files, Police Say
Warning: This article contains disturbing content.
A Florida man who worked as a Santa Claus volunteer in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea has been charged with child pornography offenses, authorities say.
James Jude Silverstone, 62, who also served as city council commissioner, was charged with 10 child pornography charges Thursday.
In April, the Broward County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation into the computer downloading child pornography files, and the office later identified Silverstone as a suspect.
“More than 210 files contained images and videos of child pornography,” Broward Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
FLORIDA POLICE DISMANTLES MINED SQUATTER ‘METH ISLAND’
After a search warrant was issued at his home in May, authorities analyzed Silverstone’s electronic devices and reportedly found underage pornography in infancy.
“On these devices, detectives found hundreds of additional videos and photographs of child pornography, some of which involve young children engaging in sexual intercourse,” the statement said.
ARMED FLORIDA MAN VS SQUATTER WHO TAKEN HOUSE WHILE ABROAD: POLICE
One of Silverstone’s neighbors expressed shock to WTVJ, saying they did not believe the allegations.
“I can’t believe this happened. This is absolutely wrong,” said an unknown neighbor. “I have known his character for 30 years. He is an outstanding person, one of the best people I have ever met. [known] …he saved lives. I mean, he volunteers to do everything for everyone.”
“I was also with him when he was [a] Santa volunteer. I mean, he’s just an unsurpassed good-natured man,” the neighbor added. “Someone wants to get him. It is not right. I am angry. And anyone else who knows him, too. I’m shaking. I’m so upset.”
Fox News Digital reached out to Lauderdale-by-the-Sea officials for comment, but received no response.
Get the latest on this story at FOXNews.com.
