Important Correction

In my post of March 16, I stated that Mark Lunsford's computer was found to have child pornography on it. Since then the AZU blog has published a 2007 letter from the Florida Assistant State Attorney Richard Ridgway which states they "... found no evidence of child pornography on the computer.". Now, I certainly don't want to accuse someone of possessing kiddie porn if it isn't true so I've done further reading on the matter and found that the issue isn't at all clear cut. From the accounts I've read, it would appear Mr Lunsford did not 'download, file or save' the child porn images BUT there WAS evidence these vile pictures were viewed on his computer. The usual claim that they may have appeared courtesy of those evil pop-ups has been floated and I'm sure people can make up their own minds over how likely or unlikely that story is. 

Another Assistant State Attorney, Pete Magrino, made the following quote:

“There was no evidence found by law enforcement that the computer was used in the manufacturing or production of child pornography, only that there were a limited number of items that were viewed,” Magrino said. “To expend additional law enforcement resources and prosecutor resources to make a case, when balancing societal goals. I mean, Mr. Lunsford’s been through enough.”

Mr Lunsford's been through enough? What the hell is that supposed to mean? Does he now have a free ticket to do as he likes because some sick bastard killed his daughter? Does the law not apply equally to him anymore? 

Ultimately there's no way of knowing who was looking at those images. Given that his son has gone on to be found guilty of raping a child it may well have been him. Regardless, the case should have been investigated as it would have been for anyone else. 

So, yes, there is an important correction. Mark Lunsford's computer was NOT found to have child pornography on it. It was found that someone using Mark Lunsford's computer had been viewing child pornography. Perhaps to most people the distinction is irrelevant but it still must be made.