Chico Fire Captain Gets 10 Years for Child Porn

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Mark McLeod Wygant, 46, of Chico, is headed to federal prison for a decade after being sentenced today for the horrific crime of transporting child pornography. U.S. District Judge Garland E. Burrell Jr. handed down the 10-year sentence, a consequence announced by U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert.

Court documents reveal a chilling pattern of abuse spanning from early 2011 to early 2012. Wygant, a man entrusted with public safety, secretly filmed a child multiple times, utilizing hidden cellphones and dedicated “spy cameras” specifically purchased for the purpose. This wasn’t a fleeting impulse; it was a calculated, repeated violation of a vulnerable victim.

The depravity didn’t end with the filming. Wygant then transported the illicit images and videos from Butte County to South Lake Tahoe. At the time, he held a position of authority as a captain with the South Lake Tahoe Fire Department – a disturbing juxtaposition of responsibility and hidden criminality. Authorities were quick to clarify that the charges stem from personal actions and are not connected to his professional duties.

Wygant has been cooling his heels in custody since his arrest on January 29, 2015, awaiting the outcome of this case. The investigation, a collaborative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the South Lake Tahoe Police Department, meticulously built a case against him, exposing the dark underbelly of his actions. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew G. Morris skillfully prosecuted the case, ensuring accountability for Wygant’s crimes.

This prosecution falls under the umbrella of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice. The project is a focused response to the escalating epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, bringing together federal, state, and local resources to hunt down predators and rescue victims. The goal isn’t just punishment, but prevention and protection.

Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and other federal crimes as they unfold. For more information on Project Safe Childhood and internet safety resources, visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Remember, vigilance and reporting are crucial in the fight against child exploitation. If you suspect child abuse, contact the authorities immediately.