(LAVALE, MD) – Troopers arrested and charged a Allegany County man early this morning after a Maryland State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigation developed evidence supporting charges of possession of child pornography.

The suspect is identified as Justin Allen, 20 of LaVale, Maryland. Allen is charged with two counts of possession of child pornography and three counts of distribution of child pornography. He was transported to the Allegany County Detention Center, where he is being held without bail. Beginning in November 2021, the Maryland State Police Computer Crimes Unit conducted an investigation into the possession of child pornography online.

The investigation led to the identification of the suspect and his residence in Allegany County. At about 8:45 a.m. this morning, Maryland State Police, assisted by Homeland Security and Investigations, served a search warrant at the identified residence of the suspect. A preliminary forensic review of the suspect’s electronic devices revealed multiple child pornography files.

The Maryland State Police Computer Crimes Unit coordinates the Maryland Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. This is a combined law enforcement effort involving police departments across Maryland that is made possible in part due to grant funds provided by the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth and Victim Services and by a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. Task force investigators focus on identifying those involved in child pornography via the Internet and other related crimes that victimize children.

        Justin Allen

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CONTACT: Office of Media Communication, 410-653-4236 or msp.media@maryland.gov