LAS VEGAS -- A Clark County employee is in federal custody awaiting trial on a long list of child pornography charges. Police are detailing how they were able to track his online moves and one computer expert reveals how everyone's computer could be at risk for child porn.
The suspect, Erik Muller worked as a public information officer. Court documents reveal he downloaded child pornography while working for the county.
Investigators say Muller's computers were loaded with roughly 400 explicit pictures and videos of underage girls. That downloads took place at his county job and at home. Neighbors in the Henderson gated community where he lived are outraged.
"This is one of the most heinous crimes that can be committed," said neighbor Frank Tumminello.
Investigators were able to track down Muller and the pornography because a computer can leave a trail of information. Court documents reveal investigators were led to Muller through his IP address, which is unique identifier for every computer on the Internet.
Adrian Mare is a licensed private investigator and an expert in data forensics when it comes to uncovering disturbing electronic evidence such as porn.
"It's large. It's grown by leaps and bounds because of the Internet boom. And it's readily available on the Internet," he said.
Mare says pedophiles have been known to park in neighborhoods and download child porn over wireless networks that aren't secure. Ultimately, the graphic images can also wind up on an innocent person's hard drive. Mare says, even visiting a legal x-rated adult site, can result in unknowingly downloading child porn.
"Keep away from pornographic sites and ensure that the anti-virus and anti-spy ware is up to date."
Muller is being fired from Clark County where he worked for the county's nuclear waste division. His trial begins in February
