CBP Officer Charged with Child Pornography Crimes

News Summary

Scott James Rocky, a 57-year-old U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer, has been charged with child pornography offenses following an FBI investigation. The probe revealed that Rocky’s computer was used to share thousands of explicit files. This case raises serious concerns about the use of technology for distributing such criminal content. Following the charges, Rocky has been placed on unpaid administrative leave, and a detention hearing is set to take place soon.

Detroit

A 57-year-old officer with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Scott James Rocky, faces serious criminal charges related to child pornography. He was charged on May 1 with the receipt and distribution of child pornography, as well as possession of child pornography. This development follows an FBI investigation that included a raid on his home in Center Line, Michigan.

The FBI launched its investigation after an agent monitored the BitTorrent peer-to-peer file sharing program. On April 29, the agent identified a computer sharing 4,141 files believed to contain child pornography. Upon further investigation, it was determined that Rocky’s computer had shared approximately 530 files with the FBI agent’s undercover computer.

During the execution of the search warrant at Rocky’s residence, agents seized a desktop computer and an external hard drive containing explicit videos involving children and teenagers. Some of these videos featured themes of incest, causing significant concern about their nature. At least 500 instances of downloading or sharing child pornography files were linked to Rocky’s electronic device between April 17 and April 19.

Rocky has been employed by CBP for over 17 years, since May 2008. During his tenure, he worked at customs facilities near the Detroit River and served as a counterterrorism response officer at the Ambassador Bridge passenger facility. Following the investigation, he has been placed on unpaid administrative leave.

The investigation unfolded in coordination with CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility, reflecting the agency’s commitment to uphold integrity and address any allegations of misconduct among its officers. A CBP spokesperson expressed the agency’s willingness to cooperate fully in ongoing investigations.

Additionally, Rocky previously faced legal scrutiny when he and other CBP officials were involved in a lawsuit in 2017 concerning wrongful detention claims. Following the new allegations, his detention hearing is scheduled for the upcoming Monday in federal court in Detroit.

Rocky’s attorney, Art Weiss, has chosen not to comment on the current case.

The FBI’s discovery of explicit material is part of a growing concern regarding the use of technology to distribute child pornography, particularly through peer-to-peer networks. This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement agencies face in combating such crimes and protecting vulnerable populations.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Detroit Free Press
• Wikipedia: Child pornography
• CBS News Detroit
• Google Search: Customs and Border Protection investigation
• Fox 2 Detroit
• Google Scholar: child pornography investigation
• The New York Times
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Child exploitation
• Miami Herald
• Google News: FBI investigation child pornography