SAN FRANCISCO—Authorities have arrested a man for possession of child pornography. In April 2017, the SFPD Internet Crimes against Children (ICAC) unit began an investigation into an individual who was uploading and downloading graphic child pornography online.
According to a press release from the SFPD, the ICAC unit was able to identify the source of the child pornography as originating from an apartment on the 400 block of Natoma Street. On Thursday, May 18, SFPD investigators served a search warrant at the residence. During the search warrant, the resident, Brian Pittman 45, was detained.
Investigators discovered numerous child pornography files on various media devices that were determined to belong to Pittman. He was arrested and charged with possession and distribution of child pornography. Officials determined that Pittman is an employee for the Boys and Girls Club of San Francisco as a maintenance worker. After his arrest, Executives for the Boys and Girls Club were notified and are cooperating with investigators.
Their preliminary investigation has determined that Pittman had no direct involvement with children’s programs at the Boys and Girls Club, is not a counselor, was not directly involved with children at the Club, and there does not appear to be any crimes involving the Boys and Girls Club.
Officials from the San Francisco Police Department recently arrested two suspects in connection to uploading and trading child pornography over the internet, Billy Lockart, 36, of San Francisco and Benjamin Martin, 33 on May 9.
Lockhart was identified as a psychiatrist employed by the University of California San Francisco (UCSF). Investigators determined that Lockhart was using UCSF Wi-Fi internet to upload child pornography. On May 9, authorities served a search warrant at Lockhart’s home located on the 100 block of Buena Vista Terrace. While inside the home, investigators found numerous media devices belonging to Lockhart, that contained hundreds videos and images of child pornography.
Investigators were able to gather evidence that Lockhart was viewing child pornography as well and authorities found hundreds of child files on media devices in Martin’s possession. Both suspects were arrested at the home. Lockhart was charged for possession of child pornography, possession of over 600 files of child pornography, and distribution of child pornography. Martin was charged for possession of child pornography, and possession of over 600 files of child pornography. Authorities are asking anyone who may have been a victim or who had any suspicious contact with Billy Lockhart and Benjamin Martin to contact the Special Victims Unit (415) 558-5500.
The SFPD is asking anyone who may have been a victim of Pittman or had any suspicious contact with the suspect to contact the Special Victims Unit (415) 558-5500.
Written By Casey Jacobs
