Library is used to view child porn
Police say they found “disturbing items” inside the vehicle of a Camarillo man suspected of viewing child pornography on a public computer at the city’s library.
Richard Ballard, 57, was taken into custody Tuesday after a detective allegedly spotted him viewing images of the sexual exploitation of children. Authorities had been summoned to the library by staff members who saw Ballard at the keyboard.
Authorities said it was the second time in a month that Ballard allegedly had used the public library’s Internet access to view child pornography.
A search of his 1986 Cadillac sedan revealed several blankets, ropes and duct tape in the trunk, according to the police statement. Detectives found a bag of candy in the glove box.
Ballard was booked into Ventura County Jail on suspicion of possession of child pornography. Bail was set at $50,000, police said. He apparently is unemployed and does not have a criminal record, said Det. Kevin Donoghue.
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-- Catherine Saillant
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