Pair Wanted in Oregon on Child Porn and Sex Abuse Charges Arrested in California

Blacksmith and Evans were contacted in Oregon, and found in possession of multiple child pornography images of adults engaging in various sexual acts with young children.

Authorities make an arrest during “Operation Falcon.” Photo: usmarshals.gov

(PASADENA, Calif.) - Pasadena, California Police Officers arrested 40-year old Robert Lee Blacksmith and 19-year old Chad Lewis Evans on child pornography and sexual abuse charges.

The arrests were the result of a collaborative effort of the Pasadena Police Department, the Salem Police Department, the FBI, and the US Secret Service.

The two suspects had originally come under scrutiny during a national child pornography enforcement operation called “Operation Falcon.”

Blacksmith and Evans were contacted in Oregon, and found in possession of multiple child pornography images of adults engaging in various sexual acts with young children.

Investigation by detectives at the Salem Police Department led to the identification of an additional twelve year old victim, in Florida, who had been exploited by the pair.

Blacksmith and Evans apparently fled Oregon, and came to Pasadena in an attempt to avoid prosecution. Pasadena Police officers set up surveillance and arrested both suspects as they were leaving their apartment.

Detectives served a search warrant at the location and discovered more child pornography inside the apartment Blacksmith and Evans rented, resulting in additional charges being filed with the California Courts.

The Pasadena Police Department is part of the Los Angeles Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The Los Angeles ICAC program is one of 46 networked, regional task forces across the US.

The ICAC Task Force has jurisdiction in every state and internationally, preventing criminals who attempt to avoid prosecution by committing crimes from a distance, using the internet.