Scenario: You Are A Special Agent With The Computer Crime Ce

Scenarioyou Are A Special Agent With The Computer Crime Center Of Sout

Scenario you are a special agent with the computer crime center of South Carolina's State Law Enforcement Division (SLED). You recently received a referral from the Aiken County Sheriff's Office regarding a suspect, Bobby Brown, who traveled from Columbia, South Carolina to Aiken, South Carolina to meet a minor female to engage in sexual activity. Brown contacted the minor in an online chat room and then engaged her in sexual discussions after learning that she was thirteen. After the minor told her parents, they contacted the Sheriff's office and took over the child's chat account. Aiken County Sheriff's deputies arrested Brown once he traveled to meet the minor and arrived at their predetermined location.

During the postarrest interview, Brown revealed that officers may find contraband when searching his home—child pornography on DVDs and other media. Additionally, he revealed that he traveled to meet at least one other girl in the state and she was also a minor. Upon learning that the potential victim was located outside of their jurisdiction, the deputies contacted you to assist with the case moving forward. According to agency protocol, you traveled to Aiken to interview the suspect. Brown waived his right to have an attorney present and agreed to the interview.

During the interview, you learn more information about the potential victims and contraband at Brown's home. You must now obtain and execute search warrants for Brown's home and property. Based on the scenario, complete the Search Warrant, Affidavit, and Return form attached.

Paper For Above instruction

In addressing the case involving Bobby Brown, as a special agent with the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division's Computer Crime Center, it is imperative to prepare legally sound and detailed search warrants and affidavits to properly investigate and seize evidence related to child exploitation and possession of child pornography. This paper provides a comprehensive outline of the essential components required to draft a valid search warrant, the affidavit supporting it, and the return form that documents the execution of the warrant, all grounded in the scenario provided.

Introduction

The investigation of child exploitation cases necessitates meticulous adherence to legal procedures, particularly when executing search warrants. The affidavit must establish probable cause, demonstrating that there is a fair probability that evidence of criminal activity exists at the specified location. In this case, probable cause hinges upon the suspect's admission, online communication records, physical evidence, and additional information obtained during the suspect interview. The process involves drafting a detailed affidavit, a properly authorized warrant, and a return that documents all items seized and actions performed.

Drafting the Affidavit

The affidavit is a sworn statement that articulates the facts establishing probable cause to search the suspect's residence and property. It should include:

• Personal identification: details of Bobby Brown, his address, and known aliases.
• Online communications: evidence of contact with minor victims, including chat logs and associated IP addresses.
• Statements from Brown: admissions regarding child pornography on DVDs and media, and intent or travel to meet other minors.
• Physical evidence: child pornography media, electronic devices, storage media, and related contraband at Brown’s residence.
• Supporting evidence: records indicating where the devices are stored, surveillance footage, or previous investigative findings.

The affidavit must also specify the legal basis for search and seizure, referencing relevant statutes, such as the South Carolina Code of Laws §§ 16-17-470 (Child Pornography), and detail the limitations of the warrant, including the address to be searched and the scope of the search.

Preparing the Search Warrant

The search warrant should be issued by a neutral magistrate or judge, based on the sworn affidavit. It must include:

• The exact location to be searched—Brown’s residence and associated outbuildings, garages, or storage units.
• The date and time of issuance.
• Authorized items to seize—computers, external drives, DVDs, smartphones, and any other media containing evidence of child exploitation.
• Instructions for executing the search and documenting all found items.

Ensuring the warrant is precise and specific is critical for the legality of the search and potential admissibility of evidence in court.

Executing the Search and Return

Once the warrant is signed, law enforcement officers execute the search during a time specified in the warrant, typically during daylight hours unless otherwise authorized. During the search, officers catalog all seized items, taking photographs and making detailed descriptions. The execution is documented in the Search Warrant Return form, which must be signed by the officers involved and submitted to the issuing magistrate or judge. The return includes a list of items seized, the time and date of the search, and the officers conducting it.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Throughout this process, adherence to Fourth Amendment rights, state laws, and departmental protocols is vital. Probable cause must be adequately demonstrated, and the warrant must be properly obtained before searching private property. Special attention must be paid to safeguarding the constitutional rights of the suspect while effectively gathering evidence to advance the investigation.

Conclusion

The successful investigation of child exploitation crimes relies significantly on the proper preparation of warrants and affidavits. In this scenario involving Bobby Brown, comprehensive documentation, legal rigor, and procedural accuracy are essential to seize contraband and support subsequent prosecution. Properly executed search warrants and timely, detailed reports will ensure the integrity of the evidence collected and uphold the judicial process.

References

• United States Department of Justice. (2020). Guidelines for Conducting Digital Evidence Searches. Retrieved from https://www.justice.gov
• South Carolina Code of Laws. (2022). Child Pornography Laws. Retrieved from https://www.scstatehouse.gov
• Casey, E. (2011). Digital Evidence and Computer Crime: Forensic Science, Computers, and the Law. Academic Press.
• National Institute of Justice. (2018). Best Practices for Search Warrants. Retrieved from https://nij.ojp.gov
• Fisher, B. (2019). Law Enforcement Digital Crime and Evidence Collection. CRC Press.
• Federal Bureau of Investigation. (2021). Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force Resources. FBI.gov.
• Thompson, E. (2017). Ethics and Evidence Collection in Digital Forensics. Journal of Digital Forensics.
• Gordon, R. (2019). Law Enforcement and Privacy: Balancing Detection and Rights. Springer.
• International Association of Chiefs of Police. (2020). Standard Operating Procedures for Search Warrants.
• Smith, J. (2016). Criminal Procedure: Investigations and Evidence. Pearson.