Zdenek Hrouda, Child Pornography, Ohio 2012

Reynoldsburg Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Over 10,000 Images and 300 Videos of Child Pornography

COLUMBUS – In a shocking turn of events, 37-year-old Zdenek Hrouda of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, has pleaded guilty to possessing more than 10,000 still images and 300 video files of child pornography. The disturbing discovery was made in the summer of 2012.

According to court testimony, an ICAC investigator was patrolling the internet in June 2012 when they identified an IP address linked to suspected child pornography. Following an investigation, officers searched Hrouda's home on July 5, 2012 and found multiple computers and external hard drives containing the graphic images and videos.

When Hrouda learned he was under investigation, he fled back to his home country, the Czech Republic. He returned to the United States voluntarily in October 2012.

Possession of child pornography is punishable by up to ten years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and at least five years of supervised release. As part of his sentence, Hrouda will be required to register as a sex offender anywhere he lives, works, or attends school.

Carter M. Stewart, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, commended the investigation led by the ICAC Task Force, the FBI, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah A. Solove. The collaborative effort brought Hrouda to justice, ensuring that those responsible for such heinous crimes face the consequences.

Zdenek Hrouda's guilty plea serves as a stark reminder of the severity of child pornography crimes. The Grimy Times will continue to monitor the case and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdoh/pr/reynoldsburg-man-pleads-guilty-possessing-more-10000-images-and-300-videos-child