Miami Man Arrested For Allegedly Possessing Child Porn
MIAMI (CBS4)- A South Florida man was arrested after federal agents said he confessed to having more than 1,000 files of child porn on his computer.
In the early morning darkness, immigration and customs enforcement agents raided a home of Donald Bartling in the peaceful Miami neighborhood of Coral Gate. Bartling was led out of his house in handcuffs. He's accused of possessing and sharing child pornography online
Neighbors said they were shocked when they heard.
"I know these two boys very well," said a neighbor. "They're very quiet. They don't bother anybody."
Federal agents seized several boxes of evidence and a desktop computer. They said they busted Bartling sharing child porn through a peer-to-peer online network and tracked him down using his computer's IP address.
According to this affidavit, Bartling admitted to agents that he had been downloading child pornography for approximately three to five years and believes he has over 1,000 movie files depicting child pornography saved on his computer.
Though he shares the home with his brother David, Bartling took all the blame. He said his brother does not know how to use a computer and is "computer illiterate," which his brother confirmed.
CBS4's Natalia Zea spoke briefly with David Bartling on the telephone and asked him about the allegations against his brother. He said, "no comment," and hung up.
Neighbors can't believe the arrest.
"They're really good people to the rest of the neighbors," said neighbor Francisco Hernandez.
Neighbors also said Bartling is very religious.
CBS4 News learned that Bartling once ran an organization called Hialeah Gospel Chapel. One of the group's listed addresses came back to a church in Miami Springs.
Workers said the church may have rented Bartling space in the past.
A duplex in Miami is also listed as a past address for Bartling's group. It's located right across the street from an elementary school.
Bartling is facing federal charges and will face a judge in a bond hearing Monday.
