WINDOM -- State and local authorities are investigating a possible child pornography possession and dissemination case in Windom.
Whether arrests can be made will depend on what can be retrieved from a confiscated computer, according to Windom Police Chief Jeff Shirkey. No arrests have been made at this time.
The Minnesota Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force contacted Shirkey in January with a tip they received through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. In February, a search warrant was executed at a Windom residence by the Windom Police Department and the Cottonwood County Sheriff's Office. A computer, videotapes, CDs, DVDs and other items were seized.
"We don't really know what's on them yet," Shirkey said. "Until we know what is actually on the computer, there is not a lot I can tell you."
The computer was sent to ICAC, where experts will try to retrieve information that can be used as evidence in the case. Normally, the process can take months because there are not enough experts to go around. A six-month waiting period before the computer is even brought to ICAC is not unusual, because the agency has no place to store computers waiting to be examined.
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"They said they had somebody free to work on it right away," Shirkey explained. "How long it takes them, I don't know. They said they were going to get at it right away, but I haven't heard anything yet."
Because the case is still under investigation, Shirkey could not say whether the suspected pornography was considered a "ring" or an individual. He noted that if the information being sought could not be found on the computer or other items seized, authorities do not have enough other evidence to make any arrests.
