was a LDS church member in Washington state; allegedly downloaded and shared more than 9,000 images of young children engaged in sexually explicit activity; convicted

About Elwood Anderson

Elwood Anderson Mormon Sex Crime Case Summary

This case arose in 2013 in Gig Harbor, Washington.

LDS church member Elwood Anderson, “A Gig Harbor man described as an upstanding member of the
community and his church has been deemed Washington state’s top downloader of child
pornography, authorities said.”

“Upwards of 9,000-10,000 images,” were found according to Lt. Ron Mead. And “these are hardcore graphic images of underage children,” said Mead.

A neighbor told KIRO 7 Eyewitness News that Anderson, who goes by Woody, is married,
the father of four girls, and according to Tony, one of the nicest people you will ever meet.”
“We knew him to be a very upstanding citizen, member of the community, and member of
his church community with the Mormon Church,” said Tony.

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Online sources
  1. Gig Harbor Man Suspected of Being State's Leading Downloader of Child Pornography
    view source details | 3 Oct 2013 | Patch
Online sources excerpts
  • Gig Harbor Man Suspected of Being State's Leading Downloader of Child Pornography
    Source type: News article
    Publisher: Patch
    Date published/accessed: 3 Oct 2013
    archive 1 | archive 2

    Elwood Anderson of Gig Harbor, 46, allegedly downloaded and shared more than 9,000 images of young children engaged in sexually explicit activity.

    --

    Detectives from the Washington State Patrol Missing and Exploited Children’s Task Force have arrested a man they believe to be the state’s leading downloader of child pornography.

    Elwood Anderson of Gig Harbor, 46, was taken into custody without incident earlier today.

    The investigation originated from the Seattle Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) and was forwarded to MECTF detectives in May 2013. MECTF learned an unknown suspect was downloading and sharing depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit activities.

    Subsequent investigation led MECTF to a home in Gig Harbor. A search warrant was executed July 13, 2013. During the search warrant, detectives seized multiple computers and digital media devices. A forensic review of the computers and digital media revealed Anderson had downloaded and shared over 9,000 images of young children engaged in sexually explicit activity.

    Anderson was booked into the Pierce County Jail on charges of Dealing and Possession of Depictions of Minor Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are possible.

 

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